What is retinal detachment?
What are the Symptoms of Retinal Detachment?
Why is it Important to Receive Immediate Evaluation and Care of a Retinal Detachment?

[Image Credit: National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health]

What is retinal detachment?
Retinal detachment is a separation of the light-sensitive membrane in the back of the eye (the retina) from its supporting layers.

• Bright flashes of light, especially in peripheral vision
• Translucent specks of various shapes (floaters) in the eye
• Blurred vision
• Shadow or blindness in a part of the visual field of one eye

The symptoms may occur gradually or quite suddenly. They do not always mean a retinal detachment is present, but you should see your eye doctor immediately if any of these signs occur.

Why is it important to receive immediate evaluation and care of a retinal detachment?
The longer one waits for treatment, the greater the chance that the retinal detachment will become more severe. The more severe the detachment, the less vision may return. Any surgery has its risks; however an untreated retinal detachment usually results in permanent, severe vision loss or blindness.

As in any emergency, it is best to be prepared in advance.  Complete the NMF's Emergency Information Packet template, which helps you to gather important information such as medical history, medical and personal contact information, legal documentation, allergies, etc. and take the completed document with you to the hospital.