3 Signs And Symptoms Indicating You May Have A Detached Retina
As you go about your daily routine, you may have noticed that you are experiencing problems with your eyesight which have come on suddenly. If so, look for the following signs that you may have a detached retina.
Flashes of Light Appear out of Nowhere
One symptom you may experience if you have a detached retinal nerve is the appearance of flashes of light. These flashes will seemingly come out of nowhere, even if you are in a dark room.
When the nerve becomes detached, it may send false signals to the brain that light is being perceived by your eye. The brain then creates the visual, making you see the light even when it is not there.
Multiple Floaters Obscure Your Eyesight
Along with sudden flashes of light, you may notice an increase in the number of floaters that you see. While it is normal to see some floaters in your visual field, these floaters will be numerous and enough to partially obscure your eyesight.
Normally, floaters are caused by dust on your eyes' lenses or protein deposits inside the cornea. However, the floaters you see when you have a detached retina are caused by a miscommunication between the nerve and your brain. Just as with the flashes of light, the brain produces the visual effect in response to the misfiring impulses from the retina.
Dark Shadow Disrupts Your Vision
As the condition worsens and the retina become more detached, you may start noticing what seems to be a dark shadow that disrupts your vision. It usually looks as though a black curtain has fallen in front of your eyes, making it impossible to see anything through the shadow.
Because the nerve's separation has become more prominent, the retina is only able to send partial signals to the brain. The shadowy areas are the portions that the retina is no longer able to read. Depending on where the nerve has become detached, you may notice the dark shadow either at the top or bottom of your field of vision.
If you are experiencing any of the above signs and symptoms, you may have a detached retina that will not get better on its own. Make an appointment with your optometrist as soon as possible so they can examine and diagnose your condition. If a detached retina is found, you can then discuss the possibility of having them perform retinal surgery to repair it. Contact a company like Coastal Eye Group, PC for more information.
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