Carolinas Centers For Sight

Diabetic Retinopathy | Retinal Detachment | Macular Degeneration

Retinal Detachment

The peripheral retina, which makes up more than 95% of the entire retina, is responsible for peripheral vision. It can see shapes and colors but does not see well enough to read. It is important in depth perception and movement of objects toward central vision.

Retinal detachment is typically caused by a break in the peripheral retina. The retina peels away from its underlying support tissue. While the initial detachment may be localized, the entire retina may detach. This is a medical emergency that could lead to vision loss and blindness.

Sometimes, diabetic eye disease, eye trauma, or other conditions can lead to retinal detachment. Symptoms can include seeing floaters or flashes of light, like lightening in one’s vision. It is important to have a dilated eye examination if you have a new onset of floaters, flashing lights, or an appearance like a veil or curtain in your vision.

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