Photopsia is the presence of perceived flashes of light in the field of vision.

This condition has also been identified as a common initial symptom of punctate inner choroiditis (PIC),[5] a rare retinal autoimmune disease believed to be caused by the immune system mistakenly attacking and destroying the retina.

This condition is extremely rare (affecting 5–7 per 1 million people, typically fair-skinned, blue-eyed northern Europeans).

Peripheral (posterior) vitreous detachment occurs when the gel around the eye separates from the retina.

However, if it occurs too rapidly, it can cause photopsia which manifests in flashes and floaters in the vision.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a common eye condition among people aged 50 and older.

Impaired blood flow to the cells of the occipital lobe (ischemia, for example as caused by a TIA or Vertebrobasilar insufficiency) will lead to temporary visual problems; if the poor blood flow is sustained it will lead to cell death (infarction, for example as caused by a stroke) which may cause persistent visual problems.