What Are the Signs of a Retinal Detachment?

Retinal detachment is a serious eye condition where the retina—a thin layer of tissue at the back of the eye responsible for processing light and sending visual signals to the brain—separates from its supportive tissue. This can impair vision significantly, and if not treated promptly, it can lead to permanent vision loss.

Causes and Risk Factors for Retinal Detachment

Retinal detachment can happen to anyone, but certain factors can increase your risk:

Aging: As we age, the vitreous gel in our eyes can shrink and pull on the retina.
Family History: If retinal detachment runs in your family, your risk may be higher.
Previous Eye Surgery or Injury: Trauma to the eye or previous surgeries, like cataract surgery, may increase the likelihood.
High Myopia (Nearsightedness): Individuals with severe myopia have a thinner retina, which can make it more susceptible to detachment.
Previous Retinal Detachment: If you’ve experienced detachment in one eye, the other eye is also at higher risk.

Recognizing the early warning signs of retinal detachment can help you seek treatment in time to preserve your sight.

Sudden Onset of Floaters

Floaters are tiny shadows that drift across your field of vision, typically caused by clumps or strands in the vitreous gel that fills your eye. While floaters can be harmless, a sudden increase in their number, especially if combined with other symptoms, may indicate retinal detachment. These floaters can appear as small dots, lines, or cobweb-like shapes.

Flashes of Light

Experiencing flashes of light (known as photopsia) is another common symptom. These flashes may look like brief sparks or lightning streaks in your peripheral vision and often occur when the retina is being tugged or pulled, creating stress on the tissue. If you notice flashing lights, particularly without any external cause, it’s essential to get your eyes examined immediately.

A Shadow or Curtain Effect

One of the more alarming signs of retinal detachment is a shadow or “curtain” that starts to move across your vision. This shadow often begins at the edges of your vision and progresses inward. If left untreated, this curtain effect can lead to complete loss of vision in the affected eye. This symptom typically indicates a more advanced detachment, so seeking urgent medical help is crucial.

Blurred or Distorted Vision

If your vision becomes unexpectedly blurry or distorted, particularly if it's affecting only one eye, this could be a sign of retinal detachment. Objects may appear skewed or smaller than usual, and you may have difficulty seeing fine details. Blurred vision alone doesn’t necessarily mean retinal detachment, but combined with other symptoms, it’s a red flag.

Reduced Peripheral Vision

Since retinal detachment often affects peripheral vision first, you may notice a gradual narrowing of your field of vision or “tunnel vision.” This loss of peripheral vision is sometimes subtle at first but can quickly progress. If you find it challenging to see things out of the corner of your eye, it’s best to have your eyes examined promptly.

Seeking Immediate Care at Premier Eyecare Optometric Center

Time is of the essence when it comes to retinal detachment. At Premier Eyecare Optometric Center, we use advanced diagnostic tools to evaluate any symptoms or signs of retinal detachment. If detected early, treatment options such as laser therapy or surgery can reattach the retina and preserve vision.

If you or someone you know experiences any symptoms of retinal detachment, contact Premier Eyecare Optometric Center immediately. Visit our office in Bakersfield, California, or call (661) 588-8222 for further guidance.