Photopsias are a visual phenomenon experienced by individuals with a variety of ocular or optic pathway pathologies. In lay terms they represent flashing lights, and can be divided into unstructured or structured photopsias, the latter referring to geometric shapes 2.
Pathology
Etiology
Causes of photopsia include 1:
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ocular
posterior vitreous detachment (most common)
retinal tear and retinal detachment
choroidal neovascularization
central serous chorioretinopathy
intraocular lens reflections
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severe cough
hypoglycemia
digitalis toxicity