What are the signs or symptoms of retinal detachment?


Quick Answer

Signs and symptoms of a retinal detachment include blurred vision, a partial loss of vision, the sudden presence of numerous floaters in the visual field, and flashes of light when looking to the side, according to Healthline. There may also be areas of darkness in the visual field.

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Full Answer

A retinal detachment is a medical emergency, explains Mayo Clinic. In this situation, the retina pulls away from the blood vessels at the back of the eye. This leaves the retina starved of oxygen and causes the death of the retinal cells. As the cells die, vision loss progresses and may become permanent.

Individuals with extreme nearsightedness are at risk for retinal detachments, states WebMD. Additional risk factors include a history of cataract surgery or eye injury and a family history of such detachments. Aging, a history of diabetes and a breakdown of fluid in the retina, also called posterior vitreous detachment, are other factors that make a retinal detachment more likely, adds Healthline.

Surgical intervention is used to treat a retinal detachment, according to WebMD. If the detachment is incomplete and addressed immediately, laser therapy or freezing can be used to repair it in a doctor's office. Complete detachments are treated with a variety of surgical techniques, such as pneumatic retinopexy and vitrectomy.

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