RETINAL DETACHMENTS

A retinal detachment occurs when the retina's sensory and pigment layers separate. Retinal detachment is considered an ocular emergency that requires immediate medical attention and surgery because it can cause devastating damage to the vision if left untreated. It is a problem that occurs most frequently in the middle-aged and elderly.

Signs and Symptoms

• Light flashes
  
• "Wavy," or "watery" vision
  
• Veil or curtain obstructing vision
  
• Shower of floaters that resemble spots, bugs, or spider webs
  
• Sudden decrease of vision

Retinal detachments are usually found because the patient calls the doctor's office with a symptom listed above. It is critical that these problems are reported early, because early treatment can greatly improve the chance of restoring vision.

There are a number of ways to treat retinal detachment. The appropriate treatment will be addressed by the ophthalmologist, depending on the type, severity and location of the detachment.