Retinal detachment occurs when the thin lining at the back of your eye begins to pull away from the blood vessels that supply it.
Flashes and floaters are common eye symptoms that can be caused by changes in the vitreous gel inside the eye. Floaters appear as small specks, cobwebs, or threads that drift across your field of vision, while flashes are brief streaks of light, often seen in your peripheral vision. These symptoms can be harmless but may also indicate serious issues like a retinal tear or retinal detachment. At Edgbaston Eye Clinic, we use advanced diagnostic tools, including the Optos imaging system and Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), to thoroughly examine the retina and rule out any sight-threatening conditions. Flashes and floaters can also be related to age-related vitreous detachment or eye trauma, so it’s important to have a prompt eye examination. Our clinic in Birmingham is fully equipped to diagnose and treat any underlying conditions that may cause flashes and floaters, ensuring your vision is protected. If you experience sudden flashes of light or an increase in floaters, contact us immediately
What is retinal detachment?
The retina is a thin layer of nerve cells that lines the inside of the eye. It is sensitive to light (like the film in a camera) and you need it to be able to see properly. Retinae detach because they have one or more holes in them, which allows fluid to pass underneath them. This fluid causes the retina to become separated from the supporting and nourishing tissues underneath it. Small blood vessels might also be bleeding into the vitreous (jelly-like substance in the centre of the eye), which might cause further clouding of vision. Without treatment, a retinal detachment usually leads to blindness in the affected eye.
Causes of retinal detachment
Most retinal detachment occur as a natural ageing process in the eye. It is unlikely that it would be caused by anything that you have done. Anyone can develop a retinal detachment at any time, but certain people are at higher risk than others. These include people who are short-sighted, those who have ha cataract surgery in the past and those who have recently suffered a severe direct blow to the eye. Some types of retinal detachments can run in the family but these are rare. Common risk factors are:
- Short-sighted of a glasses prescription over -5.00
- Diabetes
- Contact sports
- Family history
Treatment for retina detachment
The treatment involves surgery. During the operation, your eye surgeon will seal the retinal holes and reattach your retina. Your operation will be supervised by an experienced eye surgeon who will either perform the surgery themselves or oversee a more junior surgeon who might undertake part of or all of the operation.
