"Retinal Detachment - Early Warning Signs Can Save Sight"
Retinal detachment happens when an injury causes the retina to peel away from the wall of the eye. It can happen quickly, or a small tear can continue to progress over time until the retina detaches. Early detection can save your sight. The retina is the tissue at the back of the eye that reflects light. A tear can cause blurred vision and needs to be treated right away. Regina Overton developed retinal detachment in both eyes, and was treated by Gennady Landa, MD, New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai. “If only a retinal hole or retinal tear develop, we are able to fix it by doing laser and usually majority of patients don’t develop retinal detachment,” said Dr. Landa. With a retinal detachment, fluid passes through the tear, and lifts the retina off the back of the eye. People who are very nearsighted or those with advanced diabetes may have a higher risk of retinal detachment. Warning signs include loss of vision, seeing flashing lights, or “floaters”. Thanks to Dr. Landa, Regina was able to recovery from retinal detachment in her left eye.
— Gennady Landa, MD, Associate Professor, Ophthalmology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai