Why Some Retinal Detachments Happen Without Warning

The retina is a layer of light-sensitive tissue that sits at the back of the eye. It registers incoming light, translates the information into electrical signals, and sends those via the optic nerve to the brain, which decodes the information and lets you “see” an image.

If the retina detaches from its supporting tissue for any reason, it can cause permanent vision loss in the eye if not treated promptly.

The expert team of ophthalmologists at Retina Specialists diagnoses and treats retinal detachments at our offices in and around Dallas, Texas. While most instances of a detachment come with sudden symptoms, such as floaters or a gray “curtain” over your vision, it’s possible for you to have no symptoms. 

What is a retinal detachment?

The retina is said to “detach” when the cells in this thin layer of tissue separate from the blood vessels that supply it with oxygen and other nutrients. The longer you wait to get treatment for a retinal detachment, the greater your risk for permanent vision loss in the eye.

Retinal detachments are common following a blow to the head, such as in a car accident or when playing sports without proper safety equipment. If this happens, you’re likely to see flashing lights across your visual field, the appearance of varying sizes of dark spots called floaters, a curtain that clouds your vision, and the loss of peripheral vision.

If you experience any of these symptoms, you’re having a medical emergency, and you need to come into Retina Specialists ASAP, or go to your local ER.

Can a retina detachment happen without warning?

Detachments can happen without warning, especially when they’re due to simple aging, which is the most common risk factor for the condition.

A rhegmatogenous retinal detachment is the most common form of detachment, and it occurs slowly over time. As your eyes age, you may develop a hole, tear, or break in the retina, which allows the vitreous gel — the fluid found in the middle of your eye — to leak under the retinal tissue. As the liquid settles, the retina pulls away from the layer of blood vessels below it and becomes starved.

Another reason for a detachment without warning, which is also related to aging, is posterior vitreous detachment (PVD), and it’s a common cause of retinal tears. With PVD, the vitreous gel pulls away from the retina in places. It's often a harmless condition and produces no symptoms. However, the gel can build up so much that it pulls hard enough to tear the retina.

PVD may remain asymptomatic with a tear in the retina, or it can progress to a full detachment, which has the usual symptoms of floaters and flashes.

One way to prevent age-related detachments is to have a comprehensive eye exam once a year. The doctor checks all the structures in your eyes, including the retina, and they may be able to prevent a tear from progressing to a full detachment.

If you’re experiencing any of the signs of a retinal detachment, call Retina Specialists ASAP at any of our locations to schedule an emergency appointment with one of our ophthalmologists.