Retinal Detachment – Symptoms and Causes
Overview
Retinal detachment occurs when the retina, a thin tissue layer at the back of the eye, pulls away from its normal position. This condition separates retinal cells from the blood vessels that supply oxygen and nutrients to the eye.
People experiencing retinal detachment may notice several warning signs:
- Decreased vision
- Sudden appearance of dark floating shapes
- Flashes of light in vision
- Loss of peripheral (side) vision
The longer this condition goes untreated, the higher the risk of permanent vision loss in the affected eye. If you notice these symptoms, contact an ophthalmologist (eye doctor) immediately. Quick medical intervention is crucial for preserving vision.
Signs and Symptoms
Retinal detachment doesn’t cause pain. Many people notice warning signs before the retina fully detaches or gets worse.
You might experience:
- Floaters (Small specks or squiggly lines that seem to drift across your vision)
- Light flashes in one or both eyes
- Blurry vision that doesn’t clear up
- Declining peripheral vision (side vision)
- A shadow effect that resembles a curtain over part of your field of vision
These symptoms happen because the retina is pulling away from the back of the eye. When this happens, the normal flow of visual information to your brain gets disrupted.
When Medical Care Is Urgent
Don’t wait to get help if you notice any signs of retinal detachment. Contact an eye doctor immediately if you suddenly see floaters, flashes of light, or experience vision changes. This condition requires emergency treatment to prevent permanent vision loss.
The risk of retinal detachment increases with age as the gel-like substance in your eye (vitreous) changes consistency.
This substance can shrink and pull away from the retina, sometimes creating a tear that allows fluid to get underneath and lift the retina away from its normal position.
People who are nearsighted face a higher risk of experiencing retinal detachment. Regular eye exams become especially important if you:
- Notice new floaters
- See flashing lights
- Experience sudden changes in vision
- Have a family history of retinal problems
A comprehensive dilated eye exam within days of noticing these symptoms can help identify problems early. Without proper treatment, retinal detachment can lead to permanent blindness in the affected eye.
Causes
Retinal detachment happens when the retina separates from the back of the eye. There are three main types, each with different causes.
Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment
This is the most common type. It occurs when a tear or hole forms in the retina, allowing fluid to seep underneath and push the retina away from its normal position.
The separated areas lose their blood supply and stop working properly, causing vision loss.
Aging is the primary cause of this type. As people get older, the vitreous (the gel-like substance filling the eye) changes consistency. It may shrink or become more liquid. This natural process is called posterior vitreous detachment (PVD).
During PVD, the vitreous pulls away from the retina. Sometimes this pulling creates tears. If left untreated, fluid can pass through these tears and collect behind the retina, forcing it to detach.
Tractional Retinal Detachment
This type happens when scar tissue forms on the retina’s surface. The scar tissue contracts and pulls the retina away from the back of the eye. People with uncontrolled diabetes face a higher risk of developing this form of detachment.
Exudative Retinal Detachment
In this type, fluid accumulates beneath the retina without any holes or tears being present. Several conditions can cause this:
- Age-related macular degeneration
- Eye infections
- Tumors affecting the eye
- Inflammatory eye conditions
The fluid buildup pushes the retina away from the underlying tissue, disrupting normal vision function.
Risk Factors
Several factors can increase your chances of developing retinal detachment. These include:
- Age: People between 40 and 70 years old have a higher risk.
- Previous detachment: Having had a detachment in one eye raises the risk for the other eye.
- Family history: Genetic factors can play a role.
- Severe nearsightedness (myopia).
- Previous eye surgeries, especially cataract removal.
- Past serious eye injuries.
- Other eye conditions: Including retinoschisis, uveitis, or lattice degeneration (thinning of the peripheral retina).
Knowing these risk factors can help you stay alert to warning signs if you fall into any of these categories.
