Question 1

what do flashes associated with retinal detachment look like? i sometimes see very small flashes like pin pricks

Accepted Answer

LIke a flash bulb: Generally they are like a flash bulb going off and most often in the periphery of your vision.  The bottom line is that you should be seen by an ophthalmologist if you have this symptom as a retinal tear is easily treated until it turns into a retinal detachment which can be blinding.

Question 2

how are flashes like in retinal detachment?

Accepted Answer

: You'd experience a sudden burst of multiple bright spots or floaters in only that one eye. There could be associated decrease in vision in that eye. No pain though. It's an eye emergency.

Question 3

can you tell me what to do if i don't have flashes but i'm scared anyway i will have retinal detachment?

Accepted Answer

Get an exam: The only way to find out is to have an exam by a qualified eye MD.  AAO.org is very helpful.  If you have a retinal detachment, the sooner you see a specialist the better.  Time is vision.

Question 4

what is retinal detachment surgery like?

Accepted Answer

Several options: A detached retina can be treated in several ways. 

--laser treatment
--pneumatic retinopexy
--scleral buckle
--vitrectomy

the above are usually the mainstays of treatment. It depends on surgeon/patient/type of detachment on which method is chosen.

Question 5

why do myopics like me have a greater chance of retinal detachment?

Accepted Answer

Shape of the eyeball: In myopia, the shape of the eyeball causes the image you're viewing to be focused in front of the retina, making it easier to see close objects. This shape also causes the retinal to be more tightly stretched across the back of the eye, increasing the chance that it can detach. This is more of a problem in folks who are severely nearsighted.

Question 6

what is retinal detachment?

Accepted Answer

Elevated retina: A retinal detachment is a separation of the retina from the eye wall. It can be caused by a tear or hole that allows fluid from the middle of the eye to get under the retina and elevate it, by an inflammatory process that allows fluid to collect under the retina, or by scarring inside the eye that pulls the retina away from the eye wall. Retinal detachment often requires surgical intervention.

Question 7

retinal detachment symptoms?

Accepted Answer

They are: A new onset of floaters in the vision, flashes of light and/or the appearance of a curtain or veil in the peripheral vision.  Occasionally a retinal detachment will be accompanied by bleeding in the causing a profound loss of vision.

Question 8

how is retinal detachment treated?

Accepted Answer

Variety of ways: Depending upon the location and extent of the break the following techniques may be employed: laser, gas injection, encircling retinal buckle, vitrectomy, cryo freezing of the tear.  Your retinal surgeon will determine the best method.

Question 9

what happens if retinal detachment?

Accepted Answer

Black curtain.: If the retina detaches from the back of the eye, you will see a black curtain or veil in the area that the retina is detached.  If left untreated the curtain will not go away and could progress ultimately leading to complete blindness of the eye.

Question 10

how serious is  retinal detachment?

Accepted Answer

Serious: A detached retina should be evaluated immediately by a retina specialist.

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

What does retinal detachment look like

A member asked:

What do flashes associated with retinal detachment look like? i sometimes see very small flashes like pin pricks

A member asked:

How are flashes like in retinal detachment?

A member asked:

Can you tell me what to do if i don't have flashes but i'm scared anyway i will have retinal detachment?

A member asked:

What is retinal detachment surgery like?

A member asked:

Why do myopics like me have a greater chance of retinal detachment?

A member asked:

What is retinal detachment?

A member asked:

Retinal detachment symptoms?

A member asked:

How is retinal detachment treated?

A member asked:

What happens if retinal detachment?

A member asked:

How serious is retinal detachment?

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?