Sometimes the retina pulls loose or is torn from the back of the eye. Eye injuries, extreme nearsightedness, or a family history of detachments all increase a person’s risk of retinal detachment. Symptoms are the sudden onset of floating spots in the field of vision, light flashes, shadows, and decreased peripheral or central vision.

A tear in your retina, if neglected, can lead to retinal detachment. If detected by an ophthalmologist before the retina detaches, treatment of a tear in the retina by a laser or surgery is usually successful in preventing retinal detachment. Once the retina has detached, it can usually be reattached surgically, but the ultimate visual result depends on how much of your retina has been detached and for how long.