The retina is the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye that sends images to the brain.

Normally, the retina lies against the back of the eye where blood vessels furnish it with oxygen and nutrients. Tears in the retina may impair vision and lead to a detached retina.

A detached retina occurs when the retina pulls away from the inside wall of the eye. When this happens vision becomes blurred, shaded or distorted.

Left untreated, retinal detachment almost always causes permanent sight loss in the affected eye.

Retinal detachment and tears may be caused by eye injury, the aging process, tumors, cataract surgery, eye disease or extreme nearsightedness.

Several early symptoms may indicate a detached or torn retina:

• Light flashes in one eye
• Floaters
• A dark shadow over part of the field of vision
• Blurred vision or blind spots
• Watery vision

These symptoms do not always indicate retinal detachment, but if you’re experiencing them, you should call or see one or our doctors as soon as possible.