Piristeita

Piristeita is a Finnish term that translates to "sparks" or "flashes" in English. It most commonly refers to the visual phenomenon of small, bright lights that appear to flash or move across the field of vision. These are typically not actual external lights but rather subjective experiences.

The most frequent cause of piristeita is a condition known as vitreous detachment or posterior vitreous detachment (PVD). The vitreous humor is a gel-like substance that fills the eyeball. As people age, this gel can liquefy and shrink, pulling away from the retina at the back of the eye. This pulling can stimulate the retina, leading to the perception of flashes.

Piristeita can also be caused by other factors. Sudden onset of new flashes, especially when accompanied by a shadow or curtain in the vision, can indicate a more serious issue such as a retinal tear or detachment, which requires immediate medical attention. Other potential causes include eye trauma, migraines with aura, or certain medical conditions affecting the brain.

While often benign and related to the aging process, any new or significantly increased occurrence of piristeita should be evaluated by an eye care professional to rule out any underlying pathology. Diagnosis typically involves a comprehensive eye examination, including dilated fundus examination. Treatment, if necessary, depends on the underlying cause.