What Is the Retina?

The retina is a crucial nerve layer at the back of your eye that senses light and sends the resulting images directly to your brain. Imagine the eye is a camera—the lens in the front of the eye focuses light onto the retina, while the retina acts as the film that lines the back of a camera.

What Is a Retinal Detachment?

A retinal detachment is an emergency condition that occurs when the retina is dislodged from its normal position. During such an instance, the retina ceases to function, resulting in blurred vision, comparable to a camera producing hazy images due to misaligned film. A retinal detachment is a very serious problem that almost always causes blindness unless it is treated promptly.

Retinal detachment can be caused by:

• Nearsightedness

• Previous cataract surgery

• Glaucoma

• Severe injury or retinal tear

• Previous retinal detachment in your other eye

• Family history of retinal detachment

• Weak areas in your retina that can be seen by your ophthalmologist or optometrist

Warning Signs and Symptoms of a Retinal Detachment

Early symptoms may signal the onset of retinal detachment or a torn retina. These vital signs include:

• Flashing lights

• New floaters

• A gray curtain moving across your field of vision

While these symptoms do not always indicate a retinal detachment is present, they should not be overlooked. Should you experience any of these signs or symptoms, particularly after understanding retinal detachment causes, it’s imperative to consult your ophthalmologist promptly.