What Is a Detached Retina?

 

A detached retina is when the retina lifts away from the back of the eye. The retina does not work when it is detached, making vision blurry. As we get older, the vitreous gel in our eyes starts to shrink and get thinner. As the eye moves, the vitreous moves around on the retina without causing problems. But sometimes the vitreous may stick to the retina and pull hard enough to tear it. When that happens, fluid can pass through the tear and lift or detach the retina.

Who is at Risk of a Detached Retina?

Patients who are at greater risk for detached retina are those who:

>Are nearsighted and need glasses to see far away

>Have had eye surgery such as cataract surgery

>Have had a serious eye injury

>Have had a retinal tear or detachment in the other eye

>Have family members who had retinal detachment

>Have weakened areas in their retina from thinning or degeneration

What are Symptoms or Warning Signs of a Detached Retina?

>Sudden Flashes of Light. Some people say this is like seeing stars after being hit in the eye.

>New Floaters. These can look like specks, lines or cobwebs in your field of vision.

>A Shadow in Your Side Vision.

>A Gray Curtain covering part of your field of vision.

A detached retina is a serious problem. If you experience any warning signs of a detached retina you need to have it examined immediately or you risk losing vision please call The Eye Clinic of Texas, an affiliate of Houston Eye Associates, at 800-423-3937, visit The Eye Clinic of Texas, or Facebook.

The Eye Clinic of Texas is an affiliate of Houston Eye Associates, the largest ophthalmology clinic in the nation. We are a leading eye care practice serving the greater Houston, League City and Texas City with offices at 1100 Gulf Freeway, Suite 114, League City, Texas 77573 and 7111 Medical Center Drive, Suite 110, Texas City, Texas 77590.