A retinal detachment is a serious eye emergency that happens when the retina pulls away from the back of the eye. Because the retina is the light-sensitive tissue that helps you see, a detachment can cause permanent vision loss if it is not treated quickly. If you notice sudden flashes, new floaters, or a shadow in your vision, same-day emergency eye care in Blue Island can help determine what is happening and what type of care you need next.
What causes a retinal detachment?
A retinal detachment often begins when the vitreous, the gel-like substance inside the eye, shrinks or pulls on the retina. If that pulling creates a tear, fluid can pass through the opening and lift the retina away from its normal position.¹
Some people have a higher risk of retinal tears or detachment, including those who:
- Are very nearsighted
- Have had eye surgery or an eye injury
- Have a family history of retinal detachment
- Have had a retinal tear or detachment in the other eye
- Have certain retinal changes found during an eye exam
Retinal detachment is not something you can diagnose on your own. The warning signs can overlap with other eye problems, which is why a prompt exam is so important.
What are the warning signs of retinal detachment?
The most common warning signs include sudden changes in your vision. Contact an eye doctor right away if you notice:
- New flashes of light, especially in one eye
- A sudden increase in floaters A dark shadow, curtain, or veil moving across your vision
- Blurry, distorted, or missing areas of vision
- Vision loss that appears suddenly or gets worse quickly
A sudden shower of spots, strings, or cobweb-like shapes can make eye floaters more concerning, especially when they happen with flashes or a shadow in your side vision.
Does retinal detachment hurt?
Retinal detachment usually does not cause pain. That can make it easy to underestimate, but painless vision changes can still be urgent. Flashes, floaters, and curtain-like shadows should never be ignored just because your eye feels normal.
How can an eye doctor check for retinal detachment?
During an evaluation, your eye doctor examines the retina and the inside of the eye for signs of a tear, detachment, bleeding, or inflammation. A comprehensive eye exam may include dilation, retinal evaluation, visual field testing, or other diagnostic testing depending on your symptoms.
Vision Salon Eye Care Associates also uses advanced diagnostic technology to support detailed eye health evaluations. Their technology includes Optos laser-enhanced retinal imaging for ultra-widefield views of the retina, Visionix Solix OCT and OCT angiography imaging for detailed retinal layers, and A and B scan ultrasound imaging when traditional imaging may be limited.
Protect your sight with prompt emergency eye care
Retinal detachment is time-sensitive. The sooner you seek care, the better the chance of protecting your vision. If you notice sudden flashes, new floaters, a dark curtain, or sudden vision loss, call our Blue Island team immediately for guidance and urgent evaluation.
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