We rely on our eyes a lot every day. A detachment of the retina can be a scary eye condition to experience, but can be treatable if caught and treated early enough. Knowing and understanding the warning symptoms and signs is crucial to seeking early eye care and treatment.
The retina is a thin layer of tissue in the back of the eye that has photoreceptors to carry light from the eye to the brain allowing us to see1. A retinal detachment occurs when the retina either partially or completely peels away from the back of the eye. Vision loss from this can be severe and permanent depending on the severity of the detachment1.
Some risk factors of retinal detachment include: injury to the eye, eye surgery, high myopia (nearsightedness), or areas of thinned retinal areas.
Symptoms of retinal detachment may include: flashes, floaters, decrease in vision or curtain or veil moving across vision. In some cases, you may not experience any symptoms.
If your Stoney Creek optometrist detects a retinal detachment during your eye examination, you will be referred to an ophthalmologist for treatment immediately. It is very important to keep up with your routine eye examinations, so that your optometrist can detect any changes to your retina that may put you at an increased risk of retinal detachment.
In some cases, a retinal detachment can occur spontaneously with no warning signs. Your optometrist can detect asymptomatic retinal holes, tears and detachments and refer you promptly for preventative treatment.
Our optometrists accept same day urgent referrals and walk ins. Book your appointment today with one of our Stoney Creek optometrists.
Call 289-309-1090 to book your appointment today!
Reference:
1. optom.on.ca. (2021). [online] Available at: https://members.optom.on.ca/OAO/Patients/Library/Retinal_detachment.aspx?WebsiteKey=d95643aa-1c44-468a-a6ae-e2cfb2c6e326
