You see squiggly lines in your vision mostly due to eye floaters, which are harmless shadows from collagen clumps in your eye's gel (vitreous), common with aging, appearing as dots or threads against bright backgrounds. However, sudden new floaters with flashes of light, or wavy/zigzag lines, can signal a serious issue like a retinal tear or migraine aura, requiring urgent eye exams to rule out retinal detachment or inflammation.
Eye floaters happen when your vitreous humor (fluid) changes its thickness. This causes you to see squiggly lines or threads. Floaters usually happen as we get older and may not need treatment. If you have a sudden onset of many floaters, see your eye care provider.
Visual Migraine. A visual migraine is a temporary visual distortion that often begins with a small sparkling, shimmering area that slowly expands outward. The growing spot often has jagged, zig-zag edges. The visual symptoms typically last approximately 20-30 minutes and then completely resolve.
Eye Health
Sudden wavy vision and other types of vision distortions don't necessarily mean a patient has a serious eye condition. However, patients should be aware of the variety of conditions linked to sudden wavy vision so they can work with an eye care specialist to determine the cause and proper treatment.
When blood pressure remains high for long periods, it can damage this layer, leading to a condition called hypertensive choroidopathy. Fluid leaks from the blood vessels into the retina, distorting your vision. You might experience blurry or wavy vision, which can cause long-term vision problems if left untreated.
Flashing lights in your eyes could mean a problem with your retina, like a detachment or tear. If you see frequent flashes or jagged lightning, visit an eye doctor immediately. Dehydration, stress, and lack of sleep can trigger flashing lights in the eyes due to migraines.
Signs of Hypertensive Retinopathy
Our eye doctors look for small blood spots called retinal hemorrhages and white patches known as cotton wool spots. They also check for hard exudates, which are yellowish deposits of fat.
A transient ischemic attack (TIA), often called a mini-stroke, occurs when blood flow to the brain is temporarily blocked. If a TIA affects areas responsible for vision — such as the eyes or the visual processing centers in the brain — it can cause sudden vision loss, double vision, or blurry vision.
Common Causes of Wavy Vision
Dehydration can decrease tear production, leading to dry, irritated eyes. Since tears are essential for keeping the surface of the eye smooth and clear, a lack of moisture can result in blurry vision or fluctuating vision throughout the day.
Symptoms of eye stroke
Most people with an eye stroke notice a loss of vision in one eye upon waking in the morning with no pain. Some people notice a dark area or shadow in their vision that affects the upper or lower half of their visual field. Other symptoms include loss of visual contrast and light sensitivity.
In silent migraine, you may see bright lights, wavy or jagged lines, flashing dots or sparkles. These lights, spots and sparkles seem to start in the center of your line of sight and spread to both sides. Silent migraines may also cause blind spots (scotomas).
Acute angle-closure glaucoma
Are vision changes always a sign of stroke? Blurred vision or partial/complete vision loss may be signs that you are having a stroke. Sudden vision changes could also have other causes. If you have a sudden change in your vision, you should see a doctor and have it checked out.
Visual symptoms like kaleidoscope vision can affect one or both eyes and can occur with or without a headache. In many cases, visual auras precede headaches and migraines. Episodes of kaleidoscope vision usually last between 10-30 minutes, but can persist up to an hour.
As you age, the vitreous — a jelly-like material inside your eyes — liquifies and contracts. When this happens, microscopic collagen fibers in the vitreous tend to clump together. These scattered pieces cast tiny shadows onto your retina. The shadows you see are called floaters.
Choroidopathy. This causes fluid to build up under the retina due to leaky or damaged blood vessels. It can cause distorted or blurred vision and, in some cases, lead to permanent scarring. It's also more likely to occur with a sudden spike in blood pressure, such as during a hypertensive crisis.
Hypoglycemia. If your blood sugar levels fall too low, usually below 70 mg/dL, you may experience blurry vision or other visual disturbances. While hyperglycemia can affect the shape of the eye's lens, hypoglycemia can affect brain functioning.
Other signs and symptoms may include:
Sudden vision loss in one eye may be a sign of Central Retinal Artery Occlusion (CRAO), commonly referred to as eye stroke. Like a stroke in the brain, it is a medical emergency and must be diagnosed and treated as quickly as possible to prevent irreversible loss of vision.
These symptoms include blurred or double vision, a droopy eyelid, a dilated pupil, pain above or behind one eye, weakness or numbness, he said. “If you experience these symptoms, contact your primary care provider quickly, and you can be screened using a brain scan,” Bradbury said.
Most people with hypertensive retinopathy do not have symptoms until late in the disease. Symptoms may include: Double vision, dim vision, or vision loss. Headaches.
Stroke-Level Blood Pressure (180/120 or Above) Is a Medical Emergency. A hypertensive crisis occurs if blood pressure reaches 180/120 mm Hg. It is a life-threatening emergency that requires immediate medical attention. If you or someone with you develops blood pressure at or above that level, you should call 911.
Symptoms of High Eye Pressure