Retinal Detachment: Symptoms, Causes and Emergency Treatment
A retinal detachment is a serious eye condition that occurs when the retina separates from the wall of the eye. Without prompt treatment, a detached retina can cause permanent vision loss or blindness. Anyone experiencing a dark curtain, shadow or sudden change in vision should seek emergency evaluation from a retina specialist.
At Meadows Eye Physicians & Surgeons, our experienced retina specialists provide urgent evaluation and advanced surgical treatment for retinal detachments in Las Vegas and Southern Nevada.
What Is a Retinal Detachment?
The retina is a thin layer of light-sensitive tissue located along the back wall of the eye. It captures light and sends visual information to the brain.
A retinal detachment develops when fluid accumulates behind the retina and causes it to separate from the eye wall. Once detached, the retina can no longer function normally. The longer it remains separated, the greater the risk of permanent damage to vision.
A retinal detachment is considered an eye emergency and should be evaluated immediately.
Retinal Detachment Symptoms
Symptoms usually affect one eye and may appear suddenly or worsen over time. Warning signs can include:
- A dark shadow or curtain across part of the vision
- A fixed area of missing peripheral vision
- A sudden increase in floaters
- Flashes of light
- Blurred or distorted vision
- Reduced side vision
- A sudden decrease in vision
The shadow or curtain associated with a retinal detachment typically does not disappear and may gradually spread across the visual field.
A Dark Curtain or Shadow Is an Emergency
Do not wait for symptoms to improve on their own. A curtain, shadow or missing area of vision may mean that the retina is already detaching.
Contact a retina specialist or seek emergency medical care immediately. Prompt diagnosis and treatment may provide the best opportunity to preserve your eyesight.
What Causes a Detached Retina?
Most retinal detachments begin with a retinal tear or hole. Fluid from inside the eye passes through the opening and collects underneath the retina, separating it from the eye wall.
Other retinal detachments may be associated with scar tissue, abnormal blood vessels, inflammation or fluid leakage.
Retinal tear
Changes in the vitreous—the gel-like substance that fills the eye—can pull on the retina and create a tear. Fluid may then travel through the tear and cause a detachment.
Diabetic eye disease
Advanced diabetic retinopathy can produce scar tissue that pulls the retina away from the back of the eye. This is known as a tractional retinal detachment.
Eye inflammation
Inflammation inside the eye can sometimes cause fluid to accumulate beneath the retina without a retinal tear.
Eye trauma
A serious eye injury can damage the retina and increase the risk of a retinal tear or detachment.
Who Is at Risk for Retinal Detachment?
Although a retinal detachment can affect anyone, the risk may be higher for people who have:
- Significant nearsightedness
- A previous retinal tear or detachment
- A family history of retinal detachment
- Previous eye surgery
- A history of serious eye trauma
- Diabetic retinopathy
- Inflammation inside the eye
- Age-related changes in the vitreous gel
People with known risk factors should promptly report new flashes, floaters, shadows or changes in peripheral vision.
Retinal Detachment Care in Las Vegas
Retinal detachment can lead to complete and irreversible blindness if it is not treated promptly. If you notice a curtain, shadow, new flashes, a sudden increase in floaters or missing vision, do not wait for a routine appointment.
Contact Meadows Eye Physicians & Surgeons immediately for an urgent retinal evaluation. Our retina specialists diagnose and surgically treat retinal detachments throughout Las Vegas and Southern Nevada.
Call (702) 358-0472 for an emergency retinal evaluation.