When reading Cecil’s column, Why do I see sparks when I cough with my eyes closed? October 21, 1977, two decades ago, I thought that was all there was to that. In the last month I have experienced flashes of light when coughing or moving my head quickly. I made a visit to my eye-doctor and learned yet one more joy about growing old. Changes in the viscosity of liquid in the eye creates sudden tugging on the retina which creates these flashes. In most cases this is harmless, but it can be symptomatic of retinal tears and detachment. So don’t ignore the sysmptoms or pass them off as an amusement. For more info check a website such as this one: http://www.agingeye.net/visionbasics/flashesandfloaters.php