The speed at which blindness occurs after retinal detachment varies based on a number of factors. Retinal detachment is a medical emergency that requires prompt treatment to avoid blindness and other complications.

Retinal detachment can cause total loss of sight in the affected eye without quick treatment. Retinal detachment is when the layer of tissue at the back of the eye, called the retina, is displaced from its usual location. The retina processes light.

Read on to find out more about sight loss from retinal detachment.

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The speed at which retinal detachment can lead to blindness varies. Anecdotal sources suggest it can be sudden or occur over the course of a few days.

If a person has symptoms of retinal detachment, it is best to visit the emergency room within 24 hours of noticing them.

Retinal detachment is a medical emergency, and the symptoms can appear quickly. If a person experiences the following symptoms, they should present immediatelyTrusted Source to an emergency room or call an eye care professional:

  • dots and lines appearing in the visual field, called “floaters”
  • darkness in the vision, appearing like shadows
  • sudden blurred vision
  • flashes of light

Some people with atopia may have a higher risk of developing retinal detachment or complications from the condition. Atopia is a predisposition to allergies and immune responses.

According to a 2021 review of studiesTrusted Source, people with atopia can have poor visual outcomes. The same review suggests that a person with atopia’s risk of developing retinal detachment in the first year after cataract surgery is higher.

Aging can cause retinal detachment, so it is not always preventable. However, if a person is concerned about retinal detachment following an eye injury, the followingTrusted Source methods may help prevent the onset of the condition or complications:

  • wearing eye goggles or protective eyewear during more strenuous activities such as sports
  • getting regular checkups, especially after eye surgery or injury
  • being aware of the symptoms of retinal detachment and seeking prompt medical treatment if they occur

Warning signs of retinal detachment include:

These symptoms can also be signs of other eye conditions, but it is impossible to tell this without medical examination. This is why it is crucial to seek medical care as soon as a person notices these symptoms.

Learn more about the signs of retinal detachment.

Retinal detachment can occur in anyone and can also be the result of aging. However, a person may be at a higherTrusted Source risk of retinal detachment if they:

Retinal detachment is when the retina, which is a thin film at the back of the eye, becomes dislodged from its usual position. Because the retina processes light, this disruption can cause blindness within hours to days if treatment is not prompt.

To be prepared for this possibility, it is advisable to understand the risk factors and symptoms of retinal detachment. If a person notices the symptoms of retinal detachment, experts recommend seeking immediate emergency medical care. Symptoms include sudden blurred vision, floaters and dark shadows in the visual field, and light flashes.