Lightning streaks of Moore: a cause of recurrent stereotypic visual disturbance.

Lightning streaks of Moore are recurrent stereotypic vertical visual phenomena that must be distinguished from similar symptoms due to retinal ischemia, optic disk abnormalities, or mechanical retinal or optic nerve stimulation. These brief flashes are oriented vertically and are perceived in the temporal visual field after eye movement. Senescent posterior vitreous changes induce collapse and detachment with persistent vitreoretinal adhesions through which mechanical forces exert traction on the macula and retina, inducing photopsias. Clinical recognition of these symptoms avoids unnecessary diagnostic interventions.