What is retinal detachment? The retina is the light-sensitive tissue that lies against the inside of the back wall of your eyeball. Under it lies a thin layer of blood vessels that supply oxygen and nutrients to the retina, called the choroids. Retinal detachment occurs when the retina separates from this underlying layer of blood vessels. Unless the detached retina is surgically reattached, you can permanently lose your vision in that eye.

Retinal detachment affects at least thirty thousand people in the United States every year. However, it can be corrected, and if the signs are heeded promptly, an ophthalmologist can save the vision in the affected eye.

Floaters

Everyone should be informed about floaters, since they affect most of us at some point in life. The cavity of the eyeball is filled with a vitreous jellylike substance. Over time, it can change in consistency and become more liquid. It can also shrink. This can cause the vitreous to sag, and separate from the surface of the retina. It is quite common and almost always occurs to some extent. This vitreous detachment does not necessarily cause serious problems. It may create what we call floaters, stringy dark shapes that float in the field of vision. They appear gradually over time and may not be noticeable, although some people find them very annoying. Some experts have noted that consistent use of aspirin seems to cause excessive floaters. While most people only develop a few floaters later in life, others have them from childhood. They are often first noted while watching clouds in the sky, as this is the perfect environment to see the parade of black strings moving across the field of vision.

If floaters appear suddenly and are accompanied by flashes of light, however, there may be a more serious problem. Flashes may occur like sparkling lights, or photopsia, when the eyes are closed or in a darkened room. This phenomenon will last only a few seconds. The sagging vitreous pulling on the retina may tear, leaving a jagged flap. This usually occurs along the periphery of the retina. These can lead to retinal detachment. The vitreous liquid begins to leak behind the retina where the tears have opened it. Then, the retina can begin to peel away from the choroids like wallpaper peeling off a wall. Sometimes the retina still remains attached. But if it goes undetected, eventually the entire retina can detach, causing complete loss of vision.

If you notice sudden flashes of light, a shadow over a portion of your visual field, or blurred vision that does not quickly resolve, it is wise to seek prompt ophthalmic attention to save your vision.