The retina, the thin layers of tissue at the back of the eye, is essential to our Vision. Because it’s packed with the cells that process light into images, then send that information to the brain, the retina must be supplied with oxygen and nutrients by the system of blood vessels that surround it.

However, when the Retinal tissue begins to pull away from the wall at the back of the eye, it’s known as Retinal Detachment – and it must be treated promptly. In most cases, retinal detachment is caused when fluid leaks in to the layers of tissue through a hole or tear in the retina. Untreated, a detached retina can lead to a loss of vision – so if you note any sudden changes in your vision, you must see your eye doctor as soon as possible.

Learn the Symptoms

As the retina starts to pull away from the back of the eye, it becomes separated from the blood vessels that provide its crucial source of oxygen. This begins to cause disruptions in vision, which normally take four forms:

• Floaters: the appearance of dust or debris-like objects floating in your vision. These are common, especially as we age, but be alert if the quantity or intensity of floaters suddenly changes.
• Flashes: the perception of flashes of light at the periphery (or edge) of our vision.
• Shadow: Patients experiencing retinal detachment often describe the perception of a shadow or a dark curtain they cannot see through or around.
• Blurred vision: another common occurrence, not always related to retinal detachment. But if blurring occurs along with any of the other symptoms, speak with your eye doctor right away Read More.