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A spiderwebA large spot that comes and goes " � It might look like a big fly.Many small black spots
Small floaters are very common. They usually dont mean there is an eye problem. But when they happen suddenly and are very large, they can be a sign of a problem. � �
Other symptoms can include: � �
- Seeing flashes of light " � The flashes might be easier to see at night or in a dark room.
- Losing vision " � A person might not be able to see detail, or only see shapes.
Should I see a doctor or nurse? " � Yes. See your doctor or nurse right away if you suddenly lose vision or see flashes of light, large floaters, or many floaters. These could be warning signs of a detached retina. � �
Seeing floaters and flashes of light can also be a sign of a condition called "posterior vitreous detachment. " � This condition is fairly common. It is not as serious as a detached retina. But people who get a posterior vitreous detachment need to see a doctor on a regular basis to make sure it does not become a detached retina. � �
Is there a test for detached retina? " � Yes. To check for a detached retina, your doctor can do an eye exam and test your vision. � �
If the doctor thinks you might have a detached retina, you will need to see an eye doctor. The eye doctor will do a procedure called a "dilated eye exam. " � This means the doctor gives you eye drops that help him or her see inside your eye. Then the doctor looks at your retina to see if it is detached. He or she will use some special devices or lights that help him or her see the retina. � �
How is a detached retina treated? " � If the retina is detached, doctors treat it right away. This can help keep it from getting worse and causing blindness. Doctors can treat a detached retina by: � �
- Injecting a bubble of gas into the eye. This can push the retina back into place.
- Doing surgery. Doctors use different methods to put the detached retina back and hold it in place.
All topics are updated as new evidence becomes available and our peer review process is complete. � �
This topic retrieved from UpToDate on: Nov 04, 2014. � �
Topic 85625 Version 5.0 � �
Release: 22.8 - C22.208 � �
� � 2014 UpToDate, Inc. All rights reserved. � �
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Detached retina
The retina is the tissue at the back of the eye. If it gets a tear or hole, it can start to come off the back of the eye. This causes vision changes. It can cause vision loss or even blindness.
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Detached retina
The retina is the tissue at the back of the eye. If it gets a tear or hole, it can start to come off the back of the eye. This causes vision changes. It can cause vision loss or even blindness.
Graphic 84036 Version 1.0
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� � 2014 UpToDate, Inc. All rights reserved. � �