Retinal Detachment Symptoms
Retinal detachment symptoms are warning signals that your eyes need immediate medical attention. Retinal detachment often begins with the loss of peripheral vision as the first of many possible retinal detachment symptoms. Peripheral vision loss, opposed to other retinal detachment symptoms, comes about gradually, usually over the course of several days to weeks. All other retinal detachment symptoms will occur suddenly.
A detached retina occurs when the light sensitive layer of tissue at the back of the eye pulls away from its normal position. If only a small part of the retina detaches, you may not experience any symptoms. Generally, retinal detachment symptoms come on quickly and include an increase to eye floaters that appear as small dark spots or squiggly, wavy lines or cobwebs that float across your vision, flashes of light in one or both eyes, and a dark shadow or curtain” on the sides of or in the middle of your vision. Permanent vision loss or even blindness can result from delaying immediate medical attention. If you begin to experience these retinal detachment symptoms as well as any blurred vision, inability to see in dim light, partial loss of vision, tunnel vision or sensitivity to light, don’t wait. Even if you are unsure, seek a doctor right away to preserve your vision that will likely require surgery. Detached retina surgery options include pneumatic retinopexy, vitrectomy and scleral buckle.
Risk factors for retinal detachment symptoms include family history, serious eye injury, previous eye surgery such as cataract removal and eye conditions such as diabetic retinopathy, extreme myopia (nearsightedness), posterior vitreous detachment or retinoschisis or lattice degeneration.
If you are concerned about the health of your retina and want to ensure optimal vision, Associated Retina Consultants offers a variety of tests during a comprehensive eye exam to check for any retinal detachment symptoms. Scheduling your appointment is as easy as filling out a simple questionnaire at WEBSITE or calling our friendly front office at 602-242-4928.