Retinal Detachment: Symptoms and Treatment
Retinal detachment occurs when the retina separates from its normal position and loses its blood supply. It can lead to vision loss and even blindness if left untreated. This is one of the few true emergencies in eye care.
Understanding retinal detachment
Retinal detachment is a serious condition that occurs when the retina — the light-sensitive tissue lining the inner surface of the eye — becomes separated from its normal position. This detachment can lead to vision loss and even blindness if left untreated.
The retina plays a crucial role in vision: it receives light from the eye’s lens and converts it into neural signals sent to the brain. It is composed of specialized cells including photoreceptors, which capture light, and ganglion cells, which transmit visual information onward.
Once separated, the retina loses its blood supply, and the cells that have died do not come back. That is why time is the variable that matters most in the outcome.
- A curtain or shadow moving across part of your vision.
- A sudden shower of new floaters.
- Repeated flashes of light, often at the edge of vision.
- Sudden loss of vision, even if it seems to partly improve.
What causes a retinal detachment
Retinal detachment can occur for various reasons. Trauma — an injury to the eye — can cause the retina to tear or detach. A vitreous detachment, where the gel inside the eye pulls away from the retina with age, can tear it in the process.
Nearsightedness, previous eye surgery, a family history of detachment and diabetic eye disease all raise the risk. Many detachments begin as a small peripheral tear that could have been sealed in the office if it had been found in time.
At Newsom Eye we diagnose and treat retinal detachment, and coordinate with a retina surgeon when a detachment requires operative repair.
- Trauma to the eye.
- Vitreous detachment tearing the retina as it separates.
- Nearsightedness, prior eye surgery and family history.
- Diabetic eye disease pulling on the retina.
How a detachment is found and repaired
A tear can often be sealed in the office. A detachment means surgery — and the sooner it happens, the more vision comes back.
Call, do not wait
Tell us you have a curtain, a shower of floaters or new flashes. That description gets you seen today rather than next week.
Dilated examination
Drops widen the pupil so the entire retina, right out to its edges, can be examined. Peripheral tears are invisible on a central view.
Retinal imaging
Wide-angle photography and OCT document exactly where the tear or detachment is and how much retina is involved.
Laser for a tear
If the retina is torn but still attached, laser retinopexy spot-welds around the tear in the office and usually prevents a detachment entirely.
Surgery for a detachment
Once detached, repair is surgical. We coordinate promptly with a retina surgeon so the operation is not delayed.
Recovery and follow-up
Positioning instructions after surgery matter a great deal. Vision returns gradually over weeks to months, depending on whether the macula was involved.
Frequently asked questions about retinal detachment
Is retinal detachment an emergency?
Yes. It can lead to vision loss and even blindness if left untreated, and how much vision is preserved depends heavily on how quickly it is repaired.
What are the symptoms?
A dark curtain or shadow moving across your vision, a sudden shower of new floaters, repeated flashes of light, or sudden vision loss. Detachment is usually painless, which catches people out.
What causes retinal detachment?
Trauma to the eye, a vitreous detachment that tears the retina as it pulls away, nearsightedness, previous eye surgery, family history and diabetic eye disease.
Does it hurt?
No. Retinal detachment is typically painless. People often wait because it does not hurt, which is exactly the wrong instinct here.
Can a retinal tear be treated before it detaches?
Yes. If the retina is torn but still attached, laser retinopexy can seal around the tear in the office and usually prevents a full detachment. This is the best-case scenario and the reason to come in early.
How is a detachment repaired?
Surgically. We coordinate promptly with a retina surgeon. Positioning instructions afterward are important to the result.
Will my vision come back?
Some does, usually gradually over weeks to months. How much depends largely on whether the macula — the center of the retina — had detached, and on how long it was detached.
Am I at higher risk?
Risk is higher if you are significantly nearsighted, have had eye surgery or trauma, have a family history of detachment, or have diabetic eye disease.
Five Convenient Florida Locations
Sebring
4211 US Highway 27 NSebring, FL 33870(863) 385-1544
Carrollwood
13904 N Dale Mabry Hwy, Ste 200Tampa, FL 33618(813) 908-2020
South Tampa
113 S Armenia AveTampa, FL 33609(813) 908-2020
Brooksville
14543 Cortez BlvdBrooksville, FL 34613(352) 596-4030
Gainesville
2521 NW 41 StGainesville, FL 32606(352) 377-7733
If you see a curtain, call now
A shadow crossing your vision, a shower of floaters or new flashes should be examined today. Call (813) 908-2020 and describe what you are seeing.