Avoid Vision Loss from Retinal Detachment with Prompt Treatment

Tuesday, October 01, 2002

ROCHESTER, Minn. — If your vision suddenly is affected by little spots, specks, hair-like shadows, the sensation of flashing lights or blurred peripheral vision, see your ophthalmologist immediately.

The symptoms don't cause pain, but may signal the beginning of retinal detachment — a serious eye condition that almost always leads to vision loss unless treated promptly, according to the October issue of Mayo Clinic Health Letter. You are likely to retain much of your vision if tears or holes in the retina are treated before a retinal detachment, which occurs when the retina separates from the thin layer of blood vessels beneath it that supply oxygen and nutrients. Surgery is the only effective treatment.

Shelly Plutowski
507-284-5005 (days)
507-284-2511 (evenings)
e-mail: newsbureau@mayo.edu

Mayo Clinic Health Letter is an eight-page, monthly newsletter of reliable, accurate and practical information on today's health and medical news. To subscribe, please call toll-free 800-333-9037, extension 9PR1.

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