Would you like to switch to the accessible version of this site?

Go to accessible site Close modal window

Don't need the accessible version of this site?

Hide the accessibility button Close modal window
Accessibility View Close toolbar
VH

Our Location

(707) 206-0290

Open mobile navigation
  • Home
  • New Patient Center
    • Online Forms
    • Insurance and Payments
  • About Us
    • Meet the Optometrist
  • Eyecare Services
    • Contact Lens Exams
    • Eye and Vision Exams
    • Lasik Eye Surgery
    • Hard to Fit Contacts
    • Computer Vision Treatment
    • Sports Vision
    • Sunglasses
  • Frames
    • Designer Frames
  • Testimonials
  • Contact Us
    • Appointment Request
  • Community Content
  • Home >
  • Articles >
  • Common Eye Conditions >
  • Injury & Irritation >
  • Detached Retina

Detached Retina

  • Created in Common Eye Conditions, Injury & Irritation
Image of a man getting an eye exam.

Seeing a spot or a flash of light in your field of vision is more than an inconvenience. It could be the first signs of a detached retina. A retina becomes detached when separated from underlying layers of support tissue. Detached retinas will lead to a permanent loss of vision if they are not quickly corrected.

Detached Retina Symptoms

Once the retina pulls away from surrounding supportive tissue, spots, floaters, and flashes of light start appearing. Additional symptoms crop up as detachment worsens, including blurry vision or shadows descending over the eye. These symptoms can either occur gradually or suddenly depending on the speed of detachment.

No pain is associated with these symptoms. If they occur, it is important to visit your eye doctor immediately. They can diagnose if you are suffering from a detached retina and take steps to help you regain your vision before it becomes permanently lost.

Detached Retina Causes

Eye or facial injuries are common causes for detached retinas. Athletes who get struck in the face or poked in the eye are usually most at risk for this method of retinal detachment.

Detached retinas can also result in cases of extreme nearsightedness. Nearsighted people have longer eyeballs and thinner retinas that are more prone to tearing or detaching. Sometimes, fluid movement or new blood vessels growing under the retina can also pull it away from surrounding tissue.

Cataract surgery, eye tumors, and diseases, such diabetes and sickle cell disease, can all lead to detached retinas. In extremely rare cases, retinal detachment can develop as a complication following LASIK surgery.

Detached Retina Treatments

Surgery is the only option for repairing a detached retina. It must receive immediate attention from an ophthalmologist who has received training to perform this surgery. Surgical reattachment doesn't always work. Success depends on the location, cause, and extent of the detachment.

Surgical options for a detachment include:

Scleral Buckling Surgery – a small silicone or plastic band is attached to the outside of the eye. It compresses the eye inward and lets it reattach to the interior wall of the eye.

Vitrectomy – clear fluid is removed from the posterior chamber of the eye and replaced with clear silicone oil to push the retina back onto the supporting tissue.

Pneumatic Retinopexy – a small gas bubble is injected into the vitreous body to push the retina back onto the supporting tissue.

  • Eyeglasses
  • Basic Visual Skills
  • All About Eyes
  • Protecting Your Eyes
  • Visual Rehabilitation
  • Pediatric Vision Issues
  • Glasses
  • Contact Lenses
  • Common Eye Conditions
    • Vision Impairment
    • Eye Lids
    • Age-Related
    • Injury & Irritation
    • Changes in Appearance
    • Cognitive and Acquired
  • Vision Problems
  • Eye Symptoms
  • Eye Diseases
  • A Child's Vision
  • What is Vision Therapy
  • Vision Therapy Programs
  • We Can Help With
    • Cataracts
    • Corneal Disorders
      • Disorders
    • Glaucoma
    • Refractive Disorders
    • Adult Strabismus
    • Retinal Disorders
  • Newsletters
    • Glasses & Frames
    • Contacts
    • Tips for Healthy Eyes
    • Conditions That Affect Vision
    • Kid's Vision
    • Amazing, Interesting Eyes
    • Medical Perspectives

Contact Us

We look forward to hearing from you.

Hours of Operation

Our Regular Schedule

Rohnert Park Office

Monday:

11:00 am-4:00 pm

Tuesday:

10:00 am-7:00 pm

Wednesday:

9:00 am-7:00 pm

Thursday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Friday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

Locations

Find us on the map

    No testimonials found. Please add

Featured Articles

  • Good Eye Health Is Essential for Athletes

    Do you know how eye health affects your sports ability? ...

    Read More
  • Symptoms of Age-Related Macular Degeneration

    Do you know how age-related macular degeneration can affect your vision? ...

    Read More
  • How to Keep Your Eyes Safe From Germs

    Want to avoid colds and other viruses? Taking a few steps to protect your eyes can help. ...

    Read More
  • How Sleep Can Affect Your Vision

    Do you have trouble sleeping? Sleep problems may increase your risk of eye diseases and conditions. ...

    Read More
  • The Effects of Smoking on Your Eye Health

    Do you know how smoking can harm your eyes? ...

    Read More
  • Getting Your Child Accustomed to New Glasses

    Is your child struggling to adjust to new glasses? Try a few of these tips. ...

    Read More
  • Daily Habits That May Be Harming Your Eye Health

    Could any of these habits be hurting your eyes? ...

    Read More
  • Cold Weather and Your Eyes

    Are your eyes dry and uncomfortable? The cold weather may be to blame. ...

    Read More
  • The Challenges of Night Driving and Your Vision

    Do you dread driving at night? Trying a few of these tips may make night driving less stressful. ...

    Read More
  • Diagnosing and Using Vision Technology to Help Low Vision

    Are you familiar with the symptoms of low vision? ...

    Read More

Newsletter Signup

Sign up for more articles!

  • Copyright © 2021 MH Sub I, LLC dba iMatrix.
  • Admin Log In
  • Site Map