10 Detached Retina Symptoms

By dr. mera

Article Sources

Article Sources

• 1. Common Eye Disorders and Diseases. (2020, June 03). Retrieved December 16, 2020, from https://www.cdc.gov/visionhealth/basics/ced/index.html
• 2. Pitcher, J., MD. (2017, July 01). Traumatic Retinal Detachment in Younger Patients. Retrieved December 16, 2020, from https://www.retinalphysician.com/issues/2017/july august-2017/traumatic-retinal-detachment-in-younger-patients

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The retina is the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye that contains cells that receive and organize visual information. These special cells, known as rods and cones, enable us to see by sending nerve impulses through the optic nerve into the brain. It is there where the visual image finally materializes. Importantly, the retina adheres to the back of the eyeball with the help of a gel-like material known as the vitreous. Unfortunately, as we age, the vitreous can change shape and tug on the retina. Retinal detachment can occur when the retina is pulled and separated from the back layer of blood vessels that supply it with oxygen.

Retinal detachment can have many possible causes including aging, trauma, and metabolic diseases (i.e. diabetes). Moreover, factors like aging (over the age of 40), a family history of retinal detachment, refractive errors (nearsightedness), previous eye surgery, and previous eye injury can greatly increase the risk of retinal detachment.

Importantly, retinal detachment is a time-critical emergency because it can permanently alter vision or cause the loss of vision entirely. If a retinal detachment is diagnosed after a retinal examination, surgical treatment will likely be required to repair the defect. Here are 10 possible signs and symptoms of a detached retina.

1. Gradually Reduced Side Vision

Peripheral vision, also known as side vision, gives us the ability to perceive objects that are out of our direct line of vision (central vision). Because of peripheral vision, we can notice things around us without the need to turn our heads or move our eyes. Interestingly, peripheral vision covers 100 degrees of a normal visual field of 170 degrees around. This type of vision is the result of different nerve cells and rods located outside of the macula (the region of keenest vision in the retina).

Peripheral vision loss is a common symptom among people with retinal detachment. It usually starts gradually, during the course of several days or weeks, even before retinal detachment is fully established. However, reduced side vision is not exclusive of retinal detachment given that other ocular diseases or injuries can cause it. For instance, glaucoma, retinitis pigmentosa, optic neuritis, and strokes can also cause peripheral vision loss.