Signs of Retinal Detachment

The retina is a thin layer of light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye that sends visual signals to the brain. When it separates from the underlying supportive tissue, the result is retinal detachment, a medical emergency that can cause permanent vision loss within hours if not treated promptly.

At Upper West Optical, we believe every patient should be able to recognize the warning signs of retinal detachment. Knowing what to look for could save your sight.

⚠ Emergency Warning Signs — Act Immediately

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek emergency eye care the same day. Do not wait to see if symptoms improve on their own.

A sudden dramatic increase in the number of floaters in one eye
Flashes of light, particularly in peripheral vision, that are new or increasing
A dark shadow or curtain moving across any part of your visual field
Sudden blurring or loss of vision in one eye
A gray or dark veil that appears to descend from the top or sides of vision
Straight lines that suddenly appear wavy or distorted in one eye

What Causes Retinal Detachment?

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Vitreous Pulling

As the vitreous gel shrinks with age, it can tug on the retina and create a tear. Fluid then seeps beneath the retina through the tear, causing it to lift away from the back of the eye.

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Eye Trauma

A direct blow to the eye from sports, accidents, or physical impact can cause the retina to tear or detach, sometimes with symptoms appearing days or weeks after the initial injury.

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Underlying Conditions

Diabetic retinopathy can cause scar tissue to pull the retina away from the back of the eye, and inflammatory conditions can allow fluid to accumulate beneath the retinal surface.

Who Is Most at Risk?

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High Myopia

People with significant nearsightedness have longer eyeballs and thinner retinas, placing them at substantially higher lifetime risk of retinal tears and detachment.

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Age Over 50

The risk of retinal detachment increases significantly after age 50 as the vitreous naturally begins to pull away from the retinal surface, a process called posterior vitreous detachment.

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Family History

A personal or family history of retinal detachment, prior eye surgery, or a history of retinal tears in the other eye all increase the risk of experiencing a retinal detachment.

How Retinal Detachment Is Treated

Treatment depends on the type and extent of the detachment but almost always requires surgical intervention. Options include laser photocoagulation or cryotherapy to seal retinal tears, pneumatic retinopexy using a gas bubble to reattach the retina, scleral buckle surgery, or vitrectomy to remove and replace the vitreous gel.

Outcomes are significantly better when treatment is performed before the detachment reaches the central macula. This is why acting on warning signs immediately, rather than waiting, is so critical to preserving central vision.

The Role of Regular Eye Exams

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Dilated Retinal Exam

A dilated eye exam allows your eye doctor to examine the full retina and detect peripheral tears or thinning before symptoms develop, offering the chance for preventive laser treatment.

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High-Risk Monitoring

Patients with high myopia, prior detachment, or other risk factors benefit from more frequent retinal evaluations to catch any changes before they progress to a full detachment.

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Early Intervention

A retinal tear treated promptly with laser therapy or cryotherapy can almost always be sealed successfully before it leads to detachment, preserving full vision with a simple in-office procedure.