Signs of a Detached Retina

Avoid long-term vision problems by spotting the symptoms early

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If you’re like most people, you’ve probably had a visual “floater” or two. It’s usually nothing to worry about. But a sudden shower of black specks, flashes of light, or the appearance of a cobweb can signal a retinal tear or detachment. That’s a more serious vision problem that can result in blindness.

A retinal tear is the most common cause of detachment. Your retina, the light-sensitive nerve layer that lines the back of your eyeball, produces pictures from rays of light that enter your eyes. Eye injuries, hereditary retinal thinning or extreme nearsightedness can all cause a rip to occur in this thin lining. But retinal tears are most common in older adults. As we age, the vitreous (the gel-like fluid that fills the eye) naturally shrinks and can pull away from the retina, causing tears or holes. If left untreated, the vitreous gel can flow through these holes, collect beneath the retina and cause it to separate from the back of the eye.

“A retinal detachment occurs when the retina is pulled away from its normal position, like peeling back wallpaper,” says ophthalmologist Maz Kazahaya, M.D., of Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network. Eye disease, tumors and complications from cataract surgery also can lead to retinal detachment.

It’s important to see an ophthalmologist within a few days of experiencing symptoms, Kazahaya says. Retinal detachments are treated surgically, and your doctor will suggest one of three options, based on your eye exam:

Pneumatic retinopexy—A gas bubble is injected into the vitreous to re-attach the retina. Tears and holes are sealed off with a laser or cryotherapy.

Scleral buckling—A band or buckle is placed around the eye to hold the retina in place.

Vitrectomy—The surgeon removes the vitreous gel, peels scar tissue, repairs the holes and fills the eye with gas or silicone oil.

With any of these surgeries, vision usually can be restored within six to eight weeks.

Detecting a retinal tear as early as possible is the best way to protect your vision. If you’re very nearsighted or your doctor has said you’re predisposed to retinal thinning, get a dilated eye exam at least yearly, Kazahaya says. Otherwise, have your eyes checked every two years if you’re under age 60, and every year if you’re over 60 or wear glasses.

Want to Know More? Read Ask Our Expert with Maz Kazahaya, M.D. Click on the link in the column on the right side of this page.

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