Retinal Detachment Explained: Causes, Symptoms, and Urgent Care
Imagine watching your favorite show when suddenly part of the screen goes dark—permanently. Now picture that happening inside your eye. That’s what a retinal detachment can feel like, and unlike a faulty screen, your eyesight doesn’t come with a warranty.
Retinal detachment is a true eye emergency. It occurs when the retina— the delicate layer of tissue that senses light and sends visual signals to your brain— separates from the underlying layers that nourish and support it. Left untreated, it can lead to permanent blindness in the affected eye.
Retinal detachment can affect anyone, and it doesn’t always come with obvious warning signs. The earliest symptoms are easy to overlook but important to catch: a sudden increase in floaters, brief flashes of light, especially off to the side or a shadow that seems to drift across your vision, like a curtain being drawn. These changes can come on quickly, so paying attention and reaching out for care right away can make all the difference.
The retina is thin, fragile and tightly bound to the back of your eye. When this bond is disrupted, the retina can lift or peel away. Here’s what can trigger that separation:
- Aging: As we age, the vitreous, the gel-like substance in the eye, shrinks and can pull on the retina. If it tugs too hard it can cause a tear that leads to detachment.
- Extreme nearsightedness (myopia): People with severe myopia have longer eyes and thinner retinas, making them more prone to detachment.
- Eye injuries: Blunt trauma or penetrating injuries can disrupt the structure of the eye, increasing detachment risk.
- Previous eye surgery: Surgeries like cataract removal may raise the likelihood of future detachment.
- Inflammatory eye conditions: Disorders that cause swelling inside the eye (like uveitis or scleritis) can also play a role in retinal detachment.
At present, there are no medications or eye drops that can restore a detached retina—surgery remains the only effective treatment for repair. The approach depends on the severity and location of the detachment:
- Pneumatic Retinopexy: A gas bubble is injected into the eye to push the retina back into place. You’ll need to maintain a specific head position (often face-down) for several days, allowing the bubble to support the healing process.
- Scleral Buckling: A small silicone band is sewn on to the outside of the eye to gently press the wall inward, helping the retina reattach.
- Vitrectomy: This involves removing the vitreous gel and replacing it with a gas bubble or silicone oil to support the retina from within. If silicone oil is used, a second surgery may be necessary to remove it later.
Recovery varies based on the procedure and the type of damage. Some vision may return within weeks, but full healing often takes months. During that time, it’s normal to experience blurred vision, mild discomfort and sensitivity to light. Your ophthalmologist will guide you through positioning, medications, and activity restrictions or modifications.
Retinal detachment isn’t just another eye issue, it’s an emergency. Your retina doesn’t shout for help until it’s too late. By the time you notice vision changes, the damage may already be underway—and irreversible. Retinal imaging gives your eye doctor a backstage pass to the health of your eyes, allowing them to catch silent threats before they steal your sight. Don’t wait for a warning sign that you may not get. Schedule your comprehensive eye exam with advanced retinal imaging today.
Contact Associated Retina Consultants at 602-242-4928 or WEBSITE.