Do I have a Retinal Detachment?

Question

I went to the eye doctor yesterday and got these new contacts. She said that I was at risk for retinal detachment. I didn't have any symptoms until last night, where I saw maybe, one or two light flashes, which looked like what you see when you stare at a light for too long. That's the only symptom that I have had, and it only happened twice. Do you think I have a retinal detachment? Should I wait to see until/if it happens more?

Thanks.

Answer 1

A retinal detachment is a VERY serious thing. The symptons of retinal detachment are a lot of floaters (black specks that you see) and a flashes of light. You can check and see if one eye is weaker than the other. Cover one eye and try to read or look at something than cover the other one and compare. Make sure that you DON"T press on your eye when you do that. If you only saw 2 flashes of light it doesn't sound like a retinal detachment. Why did your doctor tell you that you are at risk for it? How old are you?

If you EVER have any "shower" of floater and flashes of light, do NOT wait to see a doctor. call him right away. vision loss from a retinal detachement is permanent.

I hope this helped!

Answer 2

Possibly, but I would wait it out as you only just got opne or two flashes.

Flashes of light or sparks when you move your eyes or head. These are easier to see against a dark background. The brief flashes occur when the vitreous gel tugs on the retina (vitreous traction). These flashes usually appear at the edge of your visual field.

Floaters are thick strands or clumps of solid vitreous gel that develop as the gel ages and breaks down. Floaters often appear as dark specks, globs, strings, or dots. Floaters may also be caused by loose blood or pigment from retina tears,

Having floaters or flashes does not always mean that you are about to have a retinal detachment, but you should not ignore these symptoms. Call your doctor to discuss whether you need to have an eye exam. If you have a posterior vitreous detachment, your doctor needs to examine your retina to determine your risk for a retinal tear or detachment, if one has not already occurred. If you have a retinal tear, early treatment may prevent a retinal detachment.

Rarely, a retinal detachment can occur without warning. The first signs may be:

A shadow or curtain effect across part of your visual field that does not go away. Because detachments usually affect peripheral (side) vision first, you may not notice a problem until the detachment has gotten bigger.

New or sudden vision loss. Vision loss caused by retinal detachment tends to get worse over time. Sudden vision loss is a medical emergency.

If you have new or sudden flashes or floaters, darkness over part of your visual field, or a new loss of vision that does not go away, call your eye doctor or regular doctor right away.