The patient then asked when the surgery would be performed the retinologist stated tomorrow morning at 7:00. The retinologist examined both eyes and stated that you have a retinal detachment with multiple tears in the right eye that will require surgery to repair. On Monday morning, a visit to the retinologist was scheduled for the following Thursday afternoon. This blackened area began to slowly extend to cover more of the eye. The following day, the patient noticed that the medial corner of the eye near the nose developed a blackened area. The following day, the patient began to notice a 'shower' of 'floaters' in the right eye though no action was taken by the patient. The examination was completed and new glasses were ordered due to a change in vision. Follow-up visits were scheduled and the hemorrhage repaired itself without intervention.ĭuring the last week of August of that same year, the patient scheduled an exam with the ophthalmologist to determine the need for new glasses. A return visit was scheduled and upon examination, the patient was told the same information as stated above, except for the fact that there was now a posterior vitreous hemorrhage (PVH) in the left eye. However, the retinologist stated that the patient should return for a follow-up visit at six months or to return earlier should significant changes be noticed.Īpproximately four months later, this patient noticed that 'floaters' began to appear in the right eye. The patient continued to observe the 'floaters' which did vary in number and size over the ensuing four months. Upon completion of the evaluation, the retinologist told the patient that these materials were termed 'floaters' and were insignificant, required no treatment, and would resolve over time by either sinking to the bottom of the vitreous humor, or the brain would learn to ignore them. Luckily, the retinologist was able to work the patient in that same morning. Immediately upon the mention of these materials floating around in the eye, the patient was informed that the ophthalmologist would not see the patient and would be referring him to a retinologist.

On the day of the appointment with the ophthalmologist, his medical assistant began to take a patient history. The materials noted varied from time to time but appeared as discrete black balls of varying sizes, spider web-like materials, and irregularly-shaped materials that were not discrete. A registered nurse is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.A 71-year-old white male began to observe materials floating around in his left eye in early January and called to make an appointment with his ophthalmologist. You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). If you have vision loss, you can contact Vision Australia (1300 84 74 66) for information and support. Early treatment for retinal detachment can prevent vision loss. If your retina is damaged, you can lose your vision. Wear protective eyewear when doing sports or other risky activities. However, you can take steps to reduce your risk related to eye injury. Can retinal detachment be prevented?īecause retinal detachment is mostly caused by ageing, it cannot be prevented.

However, surgery to reattach a detached retina is done in an operating theatre.įIND A HEALTH SERVICE - The Service Finder can help you find doctors, pharmacies, hospitals and other health services.ĪSK YOUR DOCTOR - Preparing for an appointment? Use the Question Builder for general tips on what to ask your GP or specialist. Retinal holes and tears can be treated by an ophthalmologist (eye specialist) with laser or freezing. They may use drops to dilate (widen) your pupil, to see your retina better. Your doctor will ask you questions and examine your eyes. If you have symptoms of retinal detachment, see a doctor or optometrist at once. What causes retinal detachment?Įye surgery, near-sightedness and macular degeneration can increase the risk of retinal detachment.

shadows appearing in your vision (often described as a ‘shadow’ or a ‘curtain coming down’ over your vision)ĬHECK YOUR SYMPTOMS - Use the Eye and vision problems Symptom Checker and find out if you need to seek medical help.

moving specks or cobwebs (floaters) in one eye.

What are the symptoms of retinal detachment? Retinal detachment is when your retina separates from your eyeball. The retina is a layer of tissue found at the back of your eye.

Related information on Australian websites.

What are the symptoms of retinal detachment?.

If your retina is damaged, you can lose your vision.

Retinal detachment can be caused by ageing, an eye injury or diabetic retinopathy.

Retinal detachment is when your retina separates from your eyeball.

Webmd detached retina symptoms