Retinal Detachment
What is Retinal Detachment ?
Retinal detachment happens when the thin layer of tissue at the back of the eye pulls away from its regular position. This layer of tissue is called the retina. Retinal detachment is an emergency. Retinal detachment separates the retinal cells from the layer of blood vessels that provide oxygen and nourishment to the eye. The longer a retinal detachment goes untreated, the greater the risk of permanent vision loss in the affected eye.
Symptoms of retinal detachment can include the following: reduced vision, the sudden appearance of dark floating shapes and flashes of light in your vision, and loss of side vision. Contacting an eye doctor, also known as an ophthalmologist, right away can help save your vision.
Symptoms
- Eye floaters
- Flashes of light in one or both eyes
- Blurred vision
- Side vision becomes worse
- A curtainlike shadow over your field of vision
- Distorted Vision
- Loss of Central Vision
- Retinal detachment is painless
- A shadow appearing in your peripheral vision
- Tiny specks drifting through the field vision
Cause
Risk factors and causes for detached retinas include aging, eye injury. Having a previous retinal detachment or a family history of retinal detachment. Having a previous eye surgery. Having certain eye conditions also raises your risk for retinal detachment, such as being very nearsighted. Posterior vitreous detachment, when the thick fluid in the middle of the eye (vitreous) pulls away from the retina. Other conditions that affect your retina or choroid, like lattice degeneration (retina thinning) or diabetes-related retinopathy. Certain inherited eye disorders. A history of retinal tears or detachments in the other eye. If you’re at high risk for retinal detachment, talk to your healthcare provider. Your provider can help you set an eye exam schedule and suggest other steps to protect your eye health.
Risk Factors
The following factors raise your risk of retinal detachment: Aging — retinal detachment is more common in people ages 40 to 70. Past retinal detachment in one eye. Family history of retinal detachment. Extreme nearsightedness, also called myopia. Past eye surgery, such as cataract removal. Past severe eye injury. History of other eye disease or condition, including retinoschisis, uveitis, or thinning of the peripheral retina called lattice degeneration.
When to see a Doctor
See a healthcare professional right away if you have any symptoms of retinal detachment. This condition is an emergency that can cause lasting vision loss.