The retina, a layer of nerves, lines the back of the eye and plays a vital role in vision. The retina can detach or pull away from the back of the eye, causing permanent vision loss if left untreated. Although the symptoms of a retinal detachment may indicate other conditions as well, knowing the symptoms will help determine when to seek emergency care from an eye doctor.
Flashes
The retina consists of sensitive nerves, and when it detaches, these nerve endings often respond with small flashes of light. Some patients find that the flashes last for a short period of time, while other patients have almost continuous flashes of light in the affected eye. Alone, flashes of light may not indicate a retinal detachment. Ocular migraines cause flashes in vision that last for a few minutes and then disappear. If flashes do not ease after a half-hour, or if the flashes accompany other symptoms, contact an eye doctor immediately.
Floaters
Vitreous fluid, a jelly-like substance fills the inside of the eye. If the retina detaches, bits of tissue or bleeding can mix in the vitreous fluid, causing floaters in the vision. Patients with retina detachments often describe the floaters as spider webs or thick strands that might stay in the vision or move in and out of vision. Most people have a few floaters that come and go with eye movement, and these usually do not indicate problems with the retina. If a significant amount of floaters appear suddenly, or if the floaters are thick and do not seem to move, a retinal detachment may have occurred.
Vision
A detached retina causes a black or gray "curtain" to cover a part of the vision. A retinal detachment usually occurs in one eye at a time. If a dark curtain appears blocks vision in both eyes, this may indicate other serious eye conditions. To determine if the vision changes affect one or both eyes, cover one eye at a time and slowly move fingers in a wide circle around the eye to check top, bottom, right and left side vision. Then check the other eye. "Missing" vision in one or both eyes requires immediate attention. Vision loss in one eye accompanied by other symptoms usually indicates a retinal detachment.
