Sensitivity to flashing lights

Flashes, flickering, glare, or discomfort around bright patterns can arise from migraine, eye strain, changes at the surface of the eye, or conditions affecting the retina. Note whether the sensation is in one eye or both, whether it began suddenly, and whether it comes with headache, blurred vision, blind spots, nausea, or weakness.

During pregnancy, flashing lights or other new visual symptoms can occur with pre-eclampsia. The symptom does not identify its cause by itself, so an assessment may include blood pressure, urine checks, and an eye or neurological examination.

Move away from strobe effects and reduce glare without driving if your vision is unsettled. Rest in a dim, comfortable room, keep hydrated, and record the timing, triggers, duration, and accompanying symptoms. Do not dismiss a first episode simply because it passes.

If you are pregnant or recently gave birth, contact your maternity team or clinician promptly about new flashes, blurred vision, or severe headache. Bring a list of medicines and mention any history of migraine or eye disease.

Get urgent help for sudden or persistent vision loss, a curtain-like shadow, many new floaters, severe headache, confusion, weakness, seizures, chest pain, shortness of breath, or pain under the ribs. In pregnancy or after birth, visual changes with severe headache or swelling require urgent assessment for pre-eclampsia.

Ask whether your blood pressure and eyes need checking, which symptoms should send you to emergency care, whether a medicine could contribute, and when it is safe to drive or return to screens and bright environments.