Retinal Detachment

Retinal detachment Retinal detachment describes an emergency situation in which a thin layer of tissue (the retina) at the back of the eye pulls away from its normal position. Retinal detachment separates the retinal cells from the layer of blood vessels that provides oxygen and nourishment. The longer retinal detachment goes untreated, the greater your risk of permanent vision loss in the affected eye. Warning signs of retinal detachment may include one or all of the following: the sudden appearance of floaters and flashes and reduced vision. Contacting an eye specialist (ophthalmologist) right away can help save your vision. Symptoms Retinal detachment itself is painless. But warning signs almost always appear before it occurs or has advanced, such as: • The sudden appearance of many floaters — tiny specks that seem to drift through your field of vision • Flashes of light in one or both eyes (photopsia) • Blurred vision • Gradually reduced side (peripheral) vision • A curtain-like shadow over your visual field When to see a doctor Seek immediate medical attention if you are experiencing the signs or symptoms of retinal detachment. Retinal detachment is a medical emergency in which you can permanently lose your vision. Risk factors The following factors increase your risk of retinal detachment: • Aging — retinal detachment is more common in people over age 50 • Previous retinal detachment in one eye • Family history of retinal detachment • Extreme nearsightedness (myopia) • Previous eye surgery, such as cataract removal • Previous severe eye injury • Previous other eye disease or disorder, including retinoschisis, uveitis or thinning of the peripheral retina (lattice degeneration) .