What is retinal detachment?
The retina is the tissue near the back of the eye that communicates through the optic nerve to the brain to send visual signals. When this delicate layer detaches from the back wall of the eye, it can result in loss of blood flow that can lead to tissue death. This condition should be detected as early as possible to allow for treatment and avoid permanent impact to one’s vision.
Retinal detachment often starts with a small part of the tissue detaching from the wall. A patient who is experiencing this early stage of detachment may notice a sudden onset of more floaters present in their field of vision. As the retinal detachment worsens, it can become more severe and patients often report seeing dark shadows and flashing of light. The central vision may be lost due to the inability for the visual signals to reach the brain through the optic nerve. The more severe the symptoms, the more severe the retinal detachment.
These critical warning signals should not be ignored. If you are experiencing the symptoms of retinal detachment, a visit to the optometrist should be scheduled immediately for an evaluation. Time is of the essence when it comes to preserving vision, as irreversible blindness can occur with retinal tissue death.
What are the risk factors of experiencing retinal detachment?
- Trauma to the eye
- Eye surgeries, including cataract surgery
- Previous retinal detachment
- Family history of retinal tears or detachment
- Patients over the age of 40
- Patients with extreme nearsightedness
- Patients with thinning peripheral retina tissue (lattice degeneration)
Discuss retinal detachment with a professional today
If you live in or around the area of Jacksonville, FL and want to speak to Dr. Robert Schnipper about retinal detachment or other eye conditions, call the Jacksonville Eye Center today at (904) 355-5555. Our practice accepts new and existing patients seeking solutions for their vision.