Retinal Diseases

Symptoms

Usually the symptoms of retinal diseases are painless, and some may be slight and difficult to notice. When the disease is present in only one eye, the healthy eye will compensate for the other; many people live with a disease for years without knowing.

Signs and symptoms of a retinal disease may include:

• Tiny specks, spots, "hairs" or "cobwebs" that appear to float in the field of vision
• A sensation of flashing lights in one or both eyes
• Dark streaks or a red film that blocks vision
• Blurred vision or vision loss
• A dark or empty spot in the center of vision
• A shadow over a portion of the visual field
• Poor night vision
• Difficulty adjusting from bright to dim light