Retinal Detachment Information
If you’ve noticed flashing lights and floaters in your eyes, you may be experiencing the initial signs of a retinal detachment.
A retinal detachment is a separation of your retina from your eye’s underlying tissue. Your retina is the light-sensitive tissue that rests smoothly against the inside back wall of your eye. It is responsible for sending messages to your brain via your optic nerve.
Causes
A majority of retinal detachments happen when there is a retinal hole or tear in your eye. A retina tear can occur when the clear vitreous gel located in front of your retina becomes loose. As this gel, which fills the inside of your eye, begins to detach it will tug on your retina. If your retina is weak, it will tear. This can also cause bleeding if a blood vessel is also torn.
Don’t Ignore It
After your retina is torn, the liquid from the vitreous gel is able to pass through the eye and can accumulate behind your retina. It’s this fluid that is responsible for the retina detachment—it detaches your retina from the back of your eye. The more liquid that collects, the farther the detachment. It can even result in a complete retinal detachment.
A retinal detachment is a medical emergency, where time is of the essence. If your retina is not surgically reattached immediately, you could lose your vision indefinitely.
Thankfully, warning signs are usually evident before a complete retinal detachment occurs. Early diagnosis and treatment can save your vision.
There is not pain associated with a retinal detachment. This condition generally affects only one eye.
Some of the warning signs include:
- Sudden notices of spots or floaters (debris)
- Flashes of light
- Blurred or poor vision
- Observing a shadow or curtain dropping from the top or sliding from the side of your eye
Your risk of developing a detached retina escalates as you grow older because the vitreous gel changes as you age. This condition most commonly affects Caucasian people.
Some factors that may increase your risk of a retinal detachment include:
- Previous retinal detachment in one eye
- Extreme nearsightedness (myopia)
- Prior eye surgery
- A family history of retinal detachment
- Past eye injury or trauma
- Weak areas in the periphery of your retina
If you or a loved one is experiencing the warning signs of a retinal detachment, please contact the Eye Center of North Florida today, serving patients in Panama City and surrounding areas of north Florida. The experienced eye doctors at The Eye Center offer a thorough screening and a friendly, professional atmosphere. Please Call our office today and be on your way to seeing the world clearly. Nine doctors. One vision—Yours.
