Your retina is one of the most delicate and important parts of your eye. It is a thin layer of tissue lining the back wall of your eye, packed with cells that sense light. The retina gives you the ability to see depth, color, shapes, and brightness.
Because the retina is so complex and so important, an injury can have serious consequences. Knowing what happens when you injure your retina, and what symptoms to watch for, can save your vision.
Keep reading to learn what can happen when you injure your retina. You can also learn more about retina care at Vision Care of Maine.
How You Can Injure Your Retina: Retinal Detachment
One of the most serious ways to injure your retina is retinal detachment. This happens when the retina pulls away from the back wall of the eye. A blow to the face, a sports injury, or even sudden movement can sometimes cause it.
When the retina separates from the eye wall, it loses its blood supply. Without blood, retinal tissue can suffer permanent damage. Acting fast is critical.
Symptoms of Retinal Detachment
Early symptoms can be subtle. Watch for:
- A sudden increase in floaters (small squiggles or spots in your vision)
- Flashes of light
- Blurry vision
- A dark curtain or shadow in part of your visual field
Without treatment, these symptoms worsen, and any vision loss can become permanent. If you injure your retina and notice any of these signs, get to an eye doctor right away.
How Retinal Detachment Is Treated
Retinal detachment is treated with surgery. A serious case often requires a procedure called a vitrectomy. During a vitrectomy, the gel inside your eye is removed and replaced with saline, silicone oil, or a gas bubble. This lets the surgeon reattach the retina to the back wall of the eye.
Recovery varies from patient to patient, but most people heal within 6 weeks. During recovery, you will need plenty of rest and you will need to follow your surgeon’s instructions carefully.
Other Ways You Can Injure Your Retina
Blunt force is not the only way to injure your retina. Eye disease, surgical complications, and chronic conditions can all cause retinal damage over time.
Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy happens when high blood sugar damages the small blood vessels in the retina. These vessels can leak or bleed, and over time, new abnormal vessels can grow in places they should not. This leads to swelling and scarring that can permanently injure your retina.
Macular Edema
Macular edema is swelling in the macula, the central part of the retina. The macula is responsible for sharp, central vision. When it is damaged, focusing on objects becomes difficult or impossible.
For more information on retinal injuries and diseases, the American Academy of Ophthalmology offers helpful guides.
Protect Your Vision With Regular Eye Care
The best way to protect your retina is to catch problems early. Regular eye exams let your doctor spot warning signs before they cause permanent damage. If you injure your retina or notice sudden changes in your vision, do not wait.
Our retina specialists at Vision Care of Maine see patients in Bangor and across Northern Maine. Schedule an appointment with us today.