Eye health · Urgent
Retinal tears, detachment and vascular events
The retina can develop tears, holes or detachments, or a blockage in one of its blood vessels. These conditions can threaten your vision and need urgent care. Knowing the warning signs can save your sight.
Warning signs
When to get help right away: call us the same day, or go to the emergency room after hours, if you notice any of these:
- A sudden shower of new floaters (spots, cobwebs or specks)
- Flashes of light in one eye
- A curtain or shadow moving across part of your vision
- Sudden blurred or lost vision in one eye
Retinal tears and detachment
As we age, the gel inside the eye shrinks and can pull on the retina. Sometimes this causes a tear or hole. Fluid can then pass through the tear and lift the retina away from the back of the eye. This is a retinal detachment, and it can cause permanent vision loss if not treated quickly.
Retinal vascular events
A blood vessel in the retina can become blocked, much like a stroke in the eye. These blockages are linked to high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol and heart disease. They need prompt evaluation, and our Internal Medicine team can help manage the risk factors behind them.
Risk factors
- Age over 50
- High nearsightedness
- Previous cataract or other eye surgery
- An eye injury
- A previous retinal detachment or a family history of one
- High blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol (for vascular events)
How we help
- Prompt dilated retinal exams to find the problem
- Same-day referral to a retina specialist when urgent treatment is needed
- Coordination with our Internal Medicine team for blood pressure, diabetes and cholesterol
FAQ
Common questions
Are all floaters dangerous?
No. Many people have a few floaters that do not change. A sudden increase in floaters, especially with flashes or a shadow in your vision, needs a same-day exam.
How are retinal tears treated?
Many tears can be sealed with a laser or freezing treatment by a retina specialist. Detachments usually need surgery. Fast treatment gives the best chance of saving vision.
Related topics
Keep learning
This information is for general education and does not replace a visit with your doctor.
Concerned about flashes or floaters?
Book online or call 630-242-2455.