Detached Retina Symptoms & Diagnosis

Symptoms

Retinal detachment is painless. However, if it is not treated quickly, a detached retina can cause permanent, partial, or total vision loss. If you have any of these symptoms, contact an eye doctor immediately:

Sudden appearance or increase in the number of “floaters,” which are shapes that float in the eye and are seen in the field of vision
Brief flashes of light in the eye
Loss of the eye’s central or peripheral field of vision
A curtain appears to fall over part of the visual field
Sudden changes or blurring of vision

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a thorough eye exam. Tests may include:

Eye exam—The pupil is dilated with eye drops, and the inside of the eye is examined with a lighted instrument called an ophthalmoscope.
Ultrasound—The doctor uses sound waves to examine the eye.