The retina consists of light-sensitive tissue that lines the back of the eye. Because the retina contains the rods and cones essential for vision, any disorder that disrupts the tissue can result in vision loss. Two disorders can cause flashes: retinal tear or detachment, and posterior vitreous detachment, or PVD. Migraines can also cause retinal flashes; in some people, herbs may help to prevent migraines. Herbal treatments are unlikely to help PVD and will not help retinal detachment, which will most likely require laser surgery.
Retinal Tears or Detachments
The most serious retinal problem that causes flashes of light is a retinal tear or detachment; the retina has pulled away from the wall of the eye. Around one in seven people with sudden onset of flashes and floaters will have a retinal tear or detachment, All About Vision states. Retinal tears or detachment can occur as a result of an eye injury or from damage to the eye from diabetes. Being nearsighted also increases your chance of retinal detachment. While herbs that help with healing may help the eye mend after surgery, they can't treat the injury itself. Herbs 2000 suggests fennel and chamomile tea and dandelion juice to help remove toxins from the eye. Ask your medical practitioner if these are safe for use after retinal surgery. Herbal treatment should never be substituted for medical treatment of a retinal tear or detachment.
Posterior Vitreous Detachment
A less serious cause of flashes is a posterior vitreous detachment, where the vitreous gel that fills the center of the eye has pulled away from the retina. Posterior vitreous detachment occurs commonly as people age and affects more than 70 percent of people at some point, Charles Retina Institute explains. Around 40 percent of people with PVD experience flashes, and 15 percent will develop retinal detachment. As the vitreous gel in the center of the eye shrinks, it pulls away from the retina, causing flashes. Small strings of material and debris in the vitreous appear as floaters. Normally, PVD requires no treatment. Herbs suggested as eye tonics include ginkgo, bilberry, eyebright and grape seed extract, according to MoonDragon Birthing Services. Ask your medical practitioner before using herbs if you're having flashes and floaters from PVD.
Migraines
Migraines are common, affecting about 11 percent of people, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Migraines can cause visual disturbances such as zigzag lines or light flashes, as well as severe pain, although headache follows visual disturbances such as flashes only 50 percent of the time, Charles Retina Institute states. Feverfew is an herb that helps some people deal with migraines. Ask your doctor before taking feverfew.
Considerations
It's difficult to determine the cause of flashes in the eye when they first begin without an eye examination. While the cause may not cause permanent vision loss, such as a PVD or a migraine, 6 percent of people develop retinal tears at some point in their lives and 0.6 percent have a retinal detachment, according to Charles Retina Institute. Do not use herbs to treat flashes in the eye without first determining the exact cause, and then only with your doctor's approval; retinal detachment can cause permanent vision loss from lack of oxygen to the eye in a short amount of time.
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