Retinal detachment occurs when the vitreous, a gel-like substance in your eye, moves away from the retina. As a result of this, a retinal detachment can occur.
This tearing can eventually cause your retina to detach from the back of the eye. Retinal detachment is a medical emergency that requires repair through surgery.
Early diagnosis of a tear is critical in preventing retinal detachment. If you have a retinal tear, your ophthalmologist will seal it to help avoid total loss of vision.
Keep reading to learn more about four signs that you could have a retinal detachment.
What Are The Symptoms of a Detached Retina?
The retina is a photosensitive sheet that lines the back of your eye. When light hits it, it sends signals to your brain that the brain interprets to create the images you see.
Issues with the retina usually have symptoms. That’s because the retina receives all the light entering your eye, which it then sends to your brain.
Signs that could mean you have a retinal detachment include:
Flashes
Posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) is a condition where the vitreous pulls away from the retina. This causes a sudden appearance of streaks or flashing lights from the corner of your eye.
Flashes don’t necessarily mean you have a tear in your retina. But it’s essential to see your ophthalmologist to confirm if you have one or not.
An undiagnosed retinal tear can result in a retinal detachment that could rob you of your sight.
Floaters
Floaters can signal retinal detachment that could lead to permanent loss of vision. This is the reason you shouldn’t ignore floaters, even if they are familiar.
They may appear like spider webs, grey spots, or strings drifting in your field of vision. If you notice a sudden appearance of floaters or a rapid increase in their number, it could be a sign of retinal detachment.
As such, it’s crucial to contact your eye doctor immediately for an accurate diagnosis.
Blurred Vision
When your retina tugs away from the back of the eye, it may detach, losing its nerve and blood supply. Detachment like this causes blurry vision.
In such a case, objects suddenly appear out of focus, whether near or far away. Without urgent medical attention, you can lose your vision permanently.
A Shadow in Your Field of Vision
If you see a curtain-like shadow across your vision field, don’t dismiss it. Instead, call your eye doctor immediately. This could indicate a detached retina that could already be causing irreversible damage or other eye conditions.
What are the Risk Factors for Retinal Detachment?
There is no one definitive cause of a detached retina. But several factors can increase your chances of having one.
Some factors are in your control. Others are not. Some of the risk factors of retinal detachment include:
- Extreme nearsightedness
- Poorly managed diabetes
- Family history of retinal detachment
- Previous retinal detachment
- Certain eye diseases
- Eye surgery
- Age
- A direct blow to your eye or head
Are you experiencing any symptoms of retinal detachment? Do you experience or have you recently experienced any of the retinal detachment risk factors?
Schedule an appointment at Joshi Eye Institute in Boynton Beach, FL, today to ensure your retinas are healthy!