Retinal Detachment Symptoms: Don't Turn a Blind Eye to These Warning Signs

What if you suddenly saw flashes of light, floaters, or a dark shadow in your vision? These could be the warning signs of a retinal detachment, a severe eye condition that can cause permanent blindness if not treated quickly.
But don’t worry!
In this blog, we will tell you more about the symptoms of retinal detachment so you can be aware of them and seek medical attention as soon as possible.
What Is Retinal Detachment?
You feel pain when you injure your finger or ankle, but not when your retina is damaged. Your retina is the thin layer of tissue that lines the back of the eye and turns light into nerve signals that are sent to the brain.
Your retina can be ripped or separated from its blood vessels without making you uncomfortable, and when it detaches from its normal position, it no longer can function properly and may cause vision problems.
Signs That Shouldn’t Be Ignored
Retinal detachment symptoms differ from person to person. They depend on how much of the retina is affected. The more the retina peels off, the more likely you will notice them.
The most important symptoms to watch for:
- Flashes of light
If you see occasional flashes of light, especially when you move your eyes or head, it is probably not a serious problem. However, if you see frequent, persistent, or new flashes of light, especially with other symptoms such as floaters, blurred vision, or a dark curtain over your vision it is probably a message from your retina.
The brief sparks or streaks of light you see in your field of vision are caused by physical stimulation of the retina, and they can have different causes, such as posterior vitreous detachment, retinal detachment and other conditions.
- Floaters
Floaters are tiny spots or shapes that you see in your vision. They are caused by clumps of collagen or other debris in the vitreous, the gel-like substance that fills the eye.
Floaters can look like black or gray dots, strings, cobwebs, or rings, and they move when you move your eyes and tend to drift away when you try to look at them directly.
They are usually harmless and a normal part of aging. However, sometimes they can indicate a severe eye problem, like retinal tear or detachment. Here are some signs of a retinal tear or detachment:
- A sudden increase in the number or size of floaters
- Flashes of light in the same eye as the floaters
- Reduced peripheral vision
Reduced peripheral vision is one of the symptoms of retinal detachment. It is when you have difficulty seeing things above, below, or at the side of your central vision. It can make you feel like you are looking through a narrow tunnel.
It can affect your daily activities, like driving, reading, or recognizing faces. It can also increase your risk of falls, accidents, or injuries. Therefore, it is essential to seek medical attention if you notice any changes in your peripheral vision.
- Blurred or distorted vision
Blurred or distorted vision is a symptom of retinal detachment that occurs when the retina can no longer send clear and accurate signals to the brain. This can happen because the retina is separated from its normal position or has a hole or tear in it, allowing fluid or blood to leak behind it and disrupt its function.
This symptom can affect your ability to see clearly, recognize shapes and colors, or read and write. It can also make you feel dizzy or nauseous.
These symptoms can occur gradually or suddenly, depending on the type and extent of retinal detachment. They are painless but indicate a serious problem that requires immediate medical attention.
If you experience any retinal detachment symptoms, consult Dr. Vasu Kuma, a renowned and experienced Indian eye specialist in Dubai.
Treatment Options For Retinal Detachment Symptoms
How to treat a retinal detachment depends on how bad it is and what caused it. Sometimes, a small retinal tear or hole can be fixed with a laser or a freezing technique, which makes the retina stick to the tissue underneath.
But if the retina is more detached, surgery is usually needed to put it back in place and save the vision. There are different ways to do this, such as scleral buckle surgery and vitrectomy.
Scleral buckle surgery uses a silicone ring around the eye to push the retina back to its normal position, While vitrectomy removes some of the vitreous to reach and mend the retina.
Some other methods, like pneumatic retinopexy or laser photocoagulation, may also be used with the primary surgery in more complex cases.
Consult Dr. Vasu Kumar for Retinal Detachment Surgery
If you have any symptoms of retinal detachment, such as flashes of light, floaters, or a dark curtain in your vision, don’t wait to see a doctor. You need an expert ophthalmologist like Dr. Vasu Kumar, who specializes in retinal conditions.
Dr. Vasu Kumar is a well-known ophthalmologist who can diagnose and treat retinal detachment effectively. He has a lot of experience and uses the latest surgical methods to help patients with this condition.
Book a consultation with Dr. Vasu Kumar now.