The retina is a light-sensitive layer of tissue that lines the back wall of your eye. It works by absorbing light and turning it into an electrical signal that can be sent to the brain.
The central part of the retina, called the macula, is responsible for sharp, detailed vision. It is also where blood vessels that nourish the retina are located. If the macula becomes detached, central vision can be severely affected.
A person’s risk for a retinal detachment is higher when they have certain medical conditions or are older or short-sighted (myopic). Aging, inflammation, and age-related nearsightedness can all cause the vitreous gel in your eye to tug on the retina over time. This may result in a retinal tear that allows fluid to pass through the tear and separate the retina from the back of the eye.
Retinal tears can be a precursor to retinal detachment and sometimes occur on their own without any symptoms. They can also be caused by inflammation or physical trauma.
You should be able to tell if you have a retinal tear by the color and shape of the fluid in your eye. If the fluid is clear or has a yellowish or green tint, then the tear is probably not big enough to cause a retinal detachment.
Symptoms of a retinal tear and a retinal detachment include: New floaters, which are little “cobwebs” that float in your field of vision; flashes of light; a curtain-like shadow over your vision; or darkening or decreased peripheral vision. These symptoms are usually very sudden, and they should be treated promptly.
Your ophthalmologist can diagnose retinal detachment during a dilated eye exam. The doctor will put eye drops in your eyes to dilate (widen) your pupils and then examine the back of your eye. They will also push on your eyelids to check for retinal tears.
If a retinal tear is found, it may be fixed with laser surgery or cryotherapy. During this treatment, the ophthalmologist uses a gas bubble or other device to seal the retinal tear and prevent it from coming back.
A retinal detachment is a medical emergency that needs to be treated right away or it could result in permanent vision loss. See your ophthalmologist or the emergency room as soon as you notice any symptoms.
You may also need to get regular eye exams to monitor the condition of your retina. People with an average risk of eye disease should have their eyes checked once a year, but people at high risk need to be seen more often.
Your ophthalmologist will use a dilated eye exam to check for signs of retinal detachment, but you can help by keeping an eye out for any new floaters or flashes of light. If you have any concerns, phone Healthline for free on 0800 611 116 any time of day or night for advice on any health issue, no matter how small.
The sooner you have a retinal detachment treated, the better the chances are that your vision will be restored. In most cases, however, the vision may take a long time to improve. Having a retinal detachment can make you more likely to have other eye problems, so it’s important to visit your ophthalmologist regularly.
