Retinal tear and retinal detachment is a serious condition that must be treated promptly to minimize the risk of vision loss. It involves multiple risk factors, described below.
Retinal detachment typically takes place in people over 40 years old, although it can occur at any age. It is more likely in those whose relatives have previously had the condition. Males are more often impacted than females. Nearsighted people and those who have had cataract surgery, an eye injury, or eye diseases such as degenerative myopia, retinoschisis, uveitis, or lattice degeneration have an increased risk for retinal detachment.
Symptoms of retinal detachment may involve an abrupt or gradual increase in the number of floaters in the eye, experiencing sudden flashes of light, or the appearance of a curtain within the visual field. Considered a medical emergency, retinal detachment requires immediate treatment from an eye care professional.