A sensation of flashing lights in the eyes, even without pain, can be a symptom of a neurological condition known as acephalgic migraine, according to Dr. Martin Scurr.
Acephalgic migraine, sometimes referred to as a silent migraine, is characterized by the visual disturbances associated with migraine (aura) but without the accompanying headache. These visual phenomena can include shimmering, flashing, or sparkling lights that may start in the central visual field and spread outwards.
A reader described experiencing painless sparking in both eyes for approximately 15 minutes on three separate occasions. Following these episodes, a CT scan of their brain revealed no abnormalities.
Dr. Scurr explained that these visual disturbances are often transient and can occur in individuals who do not experience typical migraine headaches. While a CT scan may be clear, other diagnostic methods might be employed to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other potential causes of visual disturbances.