

They can occur randomly at different times of the day. They can be like streaks of lightning, noticeable especially in a dark room. Flashes in retinal detachment are usually split-second or few-seconds at a time. You may see flashes, or streaks of light. Occasionally a retinal detachment can develop without any floaters. Sometimes the floaters in retinal detachment can be subtle. However, it is important to not completely rely on the absence of floaters. The tiny little floaters are actually red blood cells or pigment cells, and their presence suggests a higher chance that there is a retinal tear or detachment. Each person’s floaters can look somewhat different. The floaters can look like one piece of large web or strand, or there can be thousands of tiny little floaters. You may notice sudden new floaters in your vision. Previous eye surgery (especially if complicated).50: Text us to get on our waitlist for same-day or next-day appointments (Mon-Fri).Planning For Your Appointment At Our Office.Please call one of our 12 convenient locations today to schedule your appointment with us. Our experienced eye doctors will customize a treatment plan for you to ensure your recovery. Illinois Retina Associates is the Midwest’s leading practice devoted to diagnosing and treating diseases of the retina. If an air or gas bubble is used, you cannot fly in an airplane because the change in altitude can cause the gas to expand.Ĭontact Our Illinois Retina Specialists Today If oil is used, it will need to be removed. The bubble keeps the retina flat until it heals. This surgery involves removing the vitreous and replacing it with an air, gas or oil bubble. Vitrectomy-This procedure is also done in an operating room.You cannot see the buckle and it is usually left on permanently. It helps the detached retina heal against the eye wall. This surgery involves putting a silicone band around the outside of the eye to gently press the eye inward. Scleral Buckle-This procedure is done in an operating room.

Laser Surgery-During this in-office procedure, the detached area (if very small) is sealed off so that it doesn’t expand.This bubble pushes the retina back into place so it can heal. Pneumatic Retinopexy-During an in-office procedure, a gas bubble is put inside your eye.Surgery is done to repair the detached retina. This allows the ophthalmologist to see the retina and look for signs of a hole, tear or detachment. How is a Retinal Detachment Diagnosed?Ī dilated retinal exam begins with administering dilating eye drops to open the pupils. If this is left untreated, most will cause progressive loss of vision and eventually, total blindness.

Typically, you will not experience any pain. Other patients experience few symptoms at all. Patients may also see a gray curtain covering part of their vision. Patients with a retinal tear or detachment often see flashes and floaters as the first sign.
