Retinal detachment is a serious ocular condition that can lead to blindness over the course of minutes to hours if not appropriately addressed.

The retina is a thin tissue that lines the inside back wall of the eye, much like wallpaper lines the inside wall of a room. It is responsible for sensing the light that enters the eye, just like camera film senses the light that enters a camera. Unfortunately for many patients, the retina is not tightly adherent to the eye wall. Trauma to the eye, advancing age, and nearsightedness are just some risk factors that can all predispose a patient to a tear or detachment of the retina from the eye wall. This is considered an emergency because the retina is removed from its blood supply while it is detached. Even if it can successfully be reattached, too long an interval between detachment and reattachment can lead to irreversible injury to this portion of the retina with subsequent vision loss.

Fortunately if caught early, a retinal tear or detachment can be treated with excellent results. Laser and/or various surgical techniques alone or in combination may be necessary to address a retinal tear or detachment.

Signs and symptoms of a retinal tear or detachment include the onset of new flashes or floaters, or the sensation of a curtain coming down over the vision in one eye. In some instances the curtain appears to rise up from the floor rather than extend down from the ceiling.

It is important to remember that a retinal tear or detachment needs to be recognized and treated early if one is to retain good vision after such and event. If you should experience the new onset of flashes, floaters or what appears to be a curtain coming down over the vision in one eye, seek the attention of an Eye MD immediately.