Retinal detachment happens when the delicate retina suddenly separates from the eye.
The retina acts like a processing chip with your eyes as the camera. It captures light signals and sends them to the brain for imaging interpretation through the optic nerve. Retinal detachment is an emergency situation requiring immediate treatment. Failure to do so can lead to permanent vision loss.
Who is at risk?
The occurrence of retinal detachment is rare; it affects one in 10,000 people each year. It is more common among people who are over 40. Whites are more affected than African Americans and men more than women.
In addition, the following situations can also increase the risk of retinal detachment:
- Retinal detachment in the other eye
- Strong family history of retinal detachment
- Extreme nearsightedness
- Previous cataract surgery
- History of eye injury or trauma
- Existing eye problems such as uveitis and degenerative myopia
Symptoms to look for in retinal detachment include the appearance of floater or cobweb-like specks that float in your line of vision, flashing lights (particularly at the edges of your vision), blurred vision, and a curtain-like cover from the edge of your vision. Retinal detachment may be treated with surgery or through a freezing treatment referred to as cryopexy.
Would you like to learn more about retinal detachment risk factors? Call 352.237.8400 to schedule a personal consultation at the Central Florida Eye Institute today!