The retina contains light-sensitive cells and other types of cells that transmit nerve impulses to the brain. When the retina becomes detached from the back of the eye, it peels away and affects vision. This can be caused by trauma to the eye, nearsightedness (myopia), eye surgery, diabetic eye disease (retinopathy), eye tumors or glaucoma. Since retinal detachments can be visually devastating, a person experiencing symptoms of retinal detachment should contact the eye doctor or visit the emergency room immediately. Symptoms include flashing lights and floaters, shadows in the periphery of the visual field and a curtain extending over the visual field.
Flashing Lights
Flashes are the sensation of seeing bright lights at the edge of the visual field—usually these symptoms occur in only one eye at a time. The vitreous is the clear jelly inside of the eyeball; when the vitreous shrinks or pulls on the retina, the tension on the nerve cells in the retina causes the flashing sensation. If the pulling is hard enough, the retina may detach or tear. If these flashes increase in number and frequency, visit the eye doctor for a dilated examination as soon as possible.
Floaters
Floaters are little black specks in your field of vision. These are cells floating around in the vitreous of the eye. These can also look like cobwebs as well according to the National Eye Institute. If you experience an increase of floaters or an increase of floaters along with new flashes of light, the likelihood of a retinal tear or detachment is very high. Have an eye examination immediately.
Changes in Visual Field
As the retina detaches from the back of the eye, there will be changes in the visual field. These changes appear in the areas that correspond to the area of the retina that is affected. This often looks like a curtain or a shadow moving into the visual field. This curtain usually moves from the top or from the side of the visual field. Sometimes closing one eye can make it easier to determine if the visual field is changing. If you experience these symptoms, contact an eye doctor immediately.
