Classic Sign of a Detached Retina

A detached retina is a serious health concern that typically affects only one of your eyes. Retinal detachment can happen to anyone at any age. Depending upon the cause, retinal tears or weaknesses in your retina can be repaired to prevent retinal detachment. While treatable, if a detached retina goes untreated, the end result is almost always permanent blindness.

Causes

• There are several possible causes of retinal detachment. All About Vision notes: "An injury to the eye or face can cause a detached retina, as can very high levels of nearsightedness."

Symptoms

• Symptoms of retinal detachment include floaters, spots, flashes of light in your line of vision or blurred vision. A dark curtain or a shadow obstructing your vision is also a warning sign of retinal detachment.

Risks

• If you notice an increase in floaters, flashers or see a dark curtain or shadow in your line of vision, seek medical attention immediately. While some patients ignore these signs in hopes that the symptoms will disappear, Mayo Clinic warns "In some cases, symptoms temporarily diminish only to be followed by a loss of vision over the next few days or weeks, caused by advanced retinal detachment."

Treatment

• Surgical treatment is necessary to treat retinal detachment. Mayo Clinic notes the three types of surgical procedures used to treat retinal detachment are: Pneumatic retinopexy, Scleral buckling or a Vitrectomy. Each treatment takes into consideration the placement and severity of the detached retina.

Prevention

• Inform your ophthalmologist of any family history of retinal detachment, high impact trauma or any sudden changes in your vision.