A retinal detachment is a major visual problem that should never be ignored. This condition occurs when the retina pulls away from the tissue behind it, and it can result in complete blindness when left untreated.
That is why all patients should spend some time learning about a few of the most common warning signs of a retinal detachment. If we diagnose this condition early on, then we may be able to preserve your eyesight. Here is a closer look at some of the early warning signs of this serious vision problem.
Common Signs and Symptoms
“Floaters” are small flashes of light that impact your vision, and they are very common among patients who have partially detached retinas. When your eyes are tired at the end of the day, you may notice dozens of floaters at the same time which can severely impact your ability to drive or carry out other important tasks. Some patients who have this condition also have issues with their peripheral vision. Any objects that are off to the side might appear blurry or have a dark hue. Patients who notice any of those issues must immediately contact our office and schedule a comprehensive eye exam.
Advanced Stages of Retinal Detachment
One of the reasons Retinal Detachment often goes untreated is because it isn’t painful. It can be caused by an injury that was painful, but the detachment itself is normally pain-free.
As the condition advances, all of the initial symptoms will slowly become much worse. You may notice that everything else becomes blurry when you focus on a single person or object. At some point, your vision will most likely become so cloudy that everyday tasks are nearly impossible to carry out. Once the retina fully detaches, you will be completely blind in the compromised eye.
Risk Factors
Retinal Detachment can occur at any age, but it is most common among patients who are over the age of 50. One or more acute injuries to the face or head earlier in one’s life can result in a detached retina later on.
There are also a few different health conditions that drastically increase your risk of retinal detachment. If you have a family history of retinal detachments, then you should schedule regular checkups to have your eyes thoroughly examined. In some cases, advanced diabetes can cause a retinal detachment as well.
Treatment Options
Those who have been diagnosed with a detached retina have different treatment options from which to choose, and we can discuss all of those procedures during your appointment at Matossian Eye Associates. Depending on the severity of the detachment, we might be able to treat the condition with eyeglasses or even laser procedures.
If you or a loved one has recently noticed any vision problems, then please contact Matossian Eye Associates today to schedule an appointment with one of our friendly eye doctors.
