Sometimes a simple black point in the field of vision is not an unimportant detail. Alexandre Sifer, internal in ophthalmology at Cochin Hospital in Paris, alerts on three visual symptoms which, taken lightly, could lead to blindness. In a video broadcast on his Instagram account @Siferaxandre, he details the typical signs of a retina detachment, a serious eye pathology which requires emergency intervention. This pathology can lead to the total loss of vision. It concerns 1 to 2 people out of 10,000 per year, and can even occur in young patients. Hence the interest of knowing how to spot the signs that must alert without delay.
Retina detachment: surgical emergency
This eye disorder occurs when the retina separates from the wall of the eye, leaving a liquid between the two. This liquid forms a pocket under the retina, causing sudden vision loss at the affected area.
“”It is one of the most serious pathologies in ophthalmology, and it can even affect young patients“Recalls Alexandre Sifer.
Once diagnosed, the treatment is based on rapid surgery to reapply the detailed retina. The late the diagnosis, the higher the risk of vision loss.
The 3 symptoms never ignore, according to an ophthalmologist
In his video, the internal evokes a serious disease but well taken care of if the diagnosis is made quickly. Here are the three key signs that he recommends taking very seriously:
- “Floating bodies” in your vision: you see as small flies or mobile black filaments in the field of vision, impossible to make disappear;
- Luminous lightning: these are phosphenes, persistent light points which appear without reason, often on the sides;
- A veil or a curtain in your visual field: you have the feeling that a gray or black shadow descends or progresses towards the center of your gaze.
If you notice one of these signs, “Go immediately to the emergency room“, insists Alexandre Sifer.”The treatment will be surgical if a retina detachment is confirmed“.
Why shouldn’t wait
Retina detachment is the very example of the silent emergency. It does not always cause pain, but can deprive an eye of its function in a few hours if nothing is done. And the more central the involvement, the more irreversible the visual sequelae.
Even only one of these symptoms, especially if it is sudden, should make you consult immediately. Because the earlier the retina is reappeared, the more important the chances of visual recovery.