We all know that the retina is a light-sensitive membrane that is situated at the back of our eyes. So, when light passes through our eyes, the lens creates an image on the retina screen. The retina then converts it into signals and sends it to your brain via the optic nerve. Hence, Retinal Detachment of the retina is a crucial part of your vision that works with your lens, cornea, and brain.
Anything happening to your retina can be severely impacting your vision. Retinal detachment is one of the significant retina-related ailments that directly affects your vision. In this condition, your retina is detached from the back of the eye. It can cause partial or permanent vision loss depending upon the severity.
When the retina is separated, cells get deprived of oxygen. Retinal detachment creates a medical emergency that needs to be treated at the earliest. retinal detachment treatment can take place in this situation.
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What Are The Symptoms Of Retinal Detachment?
You may not witness any pain during this condition. However, there are a bunch of symptoms that you should pay attention to:
- Blurred vision for a long time.
- Partial vision loss as if a veil is pulled across from your eyes along with a shadowing effect.
- Flashes of light when you look to the sides.
- A sudden vision of floaters, which are small debris appearing as black strings in your eye.
All these are the common symptoms of retinal detachment that you must be careful of. If you witness any issues related to your vision, it is advised to visit your ophthalmologist at the earliest.
What Are The Risk Factors of Retinal Detachment?
To further prevent this condition and safeguard your vision, it is essential to understand whether you fall in the risk category or not. There are certain risk factors of this eye ailment that you must understand.
Posterior Vitreous Detachment:
It is a common retinal detachment that occurs in older adults. So, age is one of the major risk factors. Elderly people should take care of their eyes as much as possible.
Extreme Near-sightedness:
Near-sightedness in people can also lead to retinal detachment. In near-sightedness, the light focuses on the front instead of the retina, which results in blurry vision. Extreme cases of near-sightedness can create a risk of this eye ailment.
Family History:
If someone in your bloodline has retinal detachment, it is likely that you may have the same. So, if someone in your family has it, you must get your eyes checked before it is too late.
Trauma To Your Eyes:
Any sort of trauma can also detach your retina. Extremely abusing your vision and increased screen time can result in detachment of your retina.
Above 50 years Old:
As mentioned earlier, age is one of the major risk factors in this condition. Someone above the age of 50 might develop issues in their vision related to the retina.
Prior History Of Retinal Detachment:
Someone who has already suffered from this condition may witness it again. Retinal detachment can happen anytime, and if you have a prior history of the same, you are in the risk zone.
Complications in Cataract Removal:
A cataract is yet another eye ailment that often requires surgery to correct the vision. If you have recently undergone a cataract removal surgery and witnessed some complications, there are high risks that your retina may be affected.
Diabetes:
Diabetic patients are more prone to detachment of the retina and issues related to their vision. Hence, it is advised that people with diabetes should look after their eyes and conduct regular checkups.
How To Protect Yourself From retinal Detachment?
Now that you know the risk factor of this condition, it is time to know how you can protect your eye from it. If you fall under any of the risk categories, there are certain activities and things you need to avoid steering clear of this eye ailment.
#1 Limit Intensive Sports Activities
As mentioned above, trauma can be a major cause of detachment; it is better to avoid rigorous sports activities that involve contacts, like boxing, basketball, cricket, racquetball, and more.
#2 Limit Your Screen Time
If you have a work profile that asks you to be in front of screens for hours, it is advised to take adequate breaks in order to safeguard your eye. Never look into screens for hours straight.
#3 Avoid Rubbing Your Eyes Vigorously
Some people have a habit of rubbing their eyes intensely. Sometimes it can severely impact your retina and impair your vision.
#4 Limit Overexposure To Sun
Do not expose your eyes excessively to the sun. Make sure you are wearing protective eyewear whenever you step out in the sun.
That’s about everything you need to know about retinal detachment and how you safeguard your eyes from it. Don’t take your eye health lightly; such ailments can hamper your vision in the long run. Regularly visit your ophthalmologist to get a checkup.
