Retinal detachment occurs when the retina, the light-sensitive layer of tissue at the back of the eye, is pulled away from its normal position. A retinal tear is often the precursor to a detachment. Symptoms include a sudden increase in floaters, flashes of light, and a shadow or curtain effect across the field of vision. This condition is a medical emergency, as it can lead to permanent vision loss if not promptly treated with surgery.
When the retina, the part of your eye that acts like a camera film, gets a tear or comes off, it’s very serious and can make you lose your sight. If you start seeing lots of floaters or flashes, or it seems like a curtain is covering part of your vision, you need to see a doctor right away.
