A retinal detachment is a serious eye emergency that can threaten your vision if it is not treated quickly. While it may not cause pain, it often creates sudden vision changes that should never be ignored. Knowing the warning signs and seeking emergency eye care as soon as possible can help protect your sight.
At Newport Eye Care in Newport, we provide comprehensive eye exams and urgent eye care to help identify and manage urgent eye conditions, including retinal detachments.
What is the retina?
The retina is a thin layer of tissue located at the back of the eye. It plays a critical role in vision by detecting light and sending visual signals to the brain.
A retinal detachment occurs when the retina pulls away from the back of the eye. Once detached, the retina cannot function properly, and permanent vision loss can occur if treatment is delayed.
In many cases, retinal detachments begin with a retinal tear. Fluid can pass through the tear and collect behind the retina, causing it to separate from the eye wall.
What causes a retinal detachment?
Several factors can increase the risk of retinal detachment, including:
- Aging-related changes inside the eye
- Severe nearsightedness
- Eye injuries or trauma
- Previous eye surgery, including cataract surgery
- A family history of retinal detachment
- Diabetic eye disease
- Certain retinal conditions
Although retinal detachments are more common in older adults, they can happen at almost any age.
Warning signs of a retinal detachment
Retinal detachments often develop suddenly. Symptoms may appear quickly and can worsen over time. Common warning signs include:
A sudden increase in floaters
Floaters are small spots, specks, or cobweb-like shapes drifting through your field of vision. While occasional floaters can be normal, the sudden appearance of new or numerous floaters may indicate a retinal tear or detachment.
Flashes of light
Brief flashes or streaks of light, especially in your peripheral vision, can occur when the retina is being pulled or irritated. Some people describe this sensation as seeing lightning streaks or camera flashes.
A shadow or a curtain across your vision
One of the most serious symptoms is the appearance of a dark shadow, curtain, or gray area moving across part of your vision. This may indicate that the retina is actively detaching and requires immediate emergency eye care.
Blurred or distorted vision
Some people notice sudden blurry vision, waviness, or a decrease in side vision before a retinal detachment is diagnosed.
When should you seek emergency eye care?
Any sudden visual change should be evaluated promptly. Symptoms such as flashes, floaters, or a curtain-like shadow in your vision should never be ignored.
A retinal detachment will not heal on its own. Early diagnosis and treatment can improve the likelihood of preserving vision.
If you experience symptoms of retinal detachment, contact Newport Eye Care right away for emergency eye care.
How is a retinal detachment diagnosed?
A comprehensive eye exam is often needed to diagnose a retinal detachment or retinal tear. During the exam, your eye doctor may dilate your pupils to closely examine the retina and look for signs of damage, tears, or separation.
Advanced imaging technology may also be used to evaluate the retina and determine the extent of the problem.
Treatment for retinal detachment
Treatment depends on the severity and location of the detachment. In some cases, a retinal tear can be treated before a full detachment develops. More advanced detachments may require surgery by a retinal specialist.
Common treatments may include:
- Laser treatment
- Freezing therapy (cryopexy)
- Pneumatic retinopexy
- Scleral buckle surgery
- Vitrectomy surgery
Prompt treatment is important because vision loss from a retinal detachment can become permanent.
Protect your eyesight
If you notice sudden flashes, floaters, blurred vision, or a shadow in your field of view, seeking emergency eye care quickly can help protect your sight.
Whether you need emergency eye care for sudden symptoms or a comprehensive eye exam to monitor your eye health, our expert team can help patients in Newport and the surrounding communities protect their vision and eye health. Give us a call today if you have any vision concerns.
