Understanding a detached retina, and what to do
It’s easy to take our vision for granted. We expect most people to be born with fully functional eyes and experience only mild vision loss throughout their lives. But when we experience vision loss, the reality of just how valuable eyesight is can sink in quickly.
Various factors can contribute to vision loss. Most people experience age-related presbyopia, in which our eyes lose the ability to focus up close, which is typically corrected with reading glasses. But sometimes vision loss can be more serious. Such is the case when a person has a detached retina.
What is the retina?
The retina is the thin layer of tissue that lines the back wall inside the eye. Light entering your eye through the cornea, pupil and lens is projected onto the retina. The nerves of the retina then process that light and associated images before transferring their signals to the optic nerve, which then transports the signals to the brain. That’s where the perception of images occurs, which highlights just how important
a role the retina plays in vision.
What is a detached retina?
The American Academy of Ophthalmology says a detached retina occurs when the retina lifts away from the back of the eye. This is a serious problem that, if left untreated, could lead to vision loss in the affected eye.
What causes a detached retina?
Various things can cause the retina to become detached. The AAO notes that, as a person ages, the vitreous humor, a jellylike substance that fills the middle of the eye, begins
to shrink and get thinner. As the eye moves, the vitreous moves around on the retina and does not cause any problems. However, in some instances, the vitreous sticks to the retina and pulls hard enough to tear it, allowing fluid to pass through the tear and detaching the retina.
But age is not the only thing that can contribute to a detached retina. Verywell Health notes that trauma, such as a blow to the head, can cause the retina to detach, as well. Such trauma sometimes occurs when playing sports.
What are the signs of a detached retina?
The AAO urges anyone experiencing any of the following symptoms to contact an ophthalmologist immediately; otherwise, any delays can contribute to vision loss in the affected eye.
• Seeing flashing lights: Some people compare this symptom, which appears suddenly, to seeing stars after being hit in the eye.
• Noticing many floaters at once: The floaters may appear to resemble specks, lines or cobwebs in the affected person’s field of vision.
• A shadow in the affected person’s peripheral vision.
• A gray curtain covering affected person’s field of vision.
How is a detached retina treated?
The AAO notes that surgery is performed to repair a detached retina. There are different types of surgery to repair detached retinas, and patients can discuss their surgical options with their ophthalmologists.
A detached retina is a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention. Learn more about detached retinas at aao.org.