Detached Retina

A detached retina occurs when your retina is pulled away from its normal position at the back of the eye. The retina is responsible for absorbing light and converting it into signals sent to the brain, allowing you to see. When detached, it loses its blood supply and can no longer function properly. This requires immediate treatment to prevent further detachment and potential vision loss or blindness. Symptoms can appear quickly or gradually, with severity often related to the extent of the retinal detachment.

Detached Retina Symptoms

A small retinal detachment may not cause any noticeable symptoms. However, as more of the retina detaches, vision can become increasingly impaired. Symptoms may include:

• Gray or black specks floating in your vision (floaters)
• Flashes of light in one or both eyes
• A dark shadow or “curtain” on the sides or in the middle of your vision

These symptoms can appear gradually or suddenly. The presence of floaters, especially with flashes of light or other vision disturbances, could indicate a detached retina or another serious eye problem.

What Causes A Detached Retina?

Retinal detachments are categorized into three types based on their cause:

• Rhegmatogenous: This is the most common type. It occurs when a tear or hole in the retina allows fluid to seep through and lift the retina away from the underlying tissue.
• Tractional: Scar tissue on the retina’s surface contracts and pulls the retina away from the back of the eye. This type is often associated with conditions like diabetes.
• Exudative: Fluid buildup behind the retina, caused by conditions like inflammation or injury, pushes the retina away from the back of the eye.

Diagnosing & Treating High or Low Eye Pressure

Maintaining healthy eye pressure is crucial for overall eye health. Unfortunately, eye pressure can fluctuate suddenly and for various reasons. A comprehensive eye exam can help detect eye pressure problems and other eye conditions in their early stages when they are most treatable. If you have questions about eye exams or eye pressure, call us today at (805) 522-7007.