Do you experience floaters or flashes of light in your peripheral vision? Are you having trouble seeing at night or difficulty distinguishing colours? If you answered yes to any of these questions, it may be time to see a retina specialist.

The retina is a delicate and important part of the eye, responsible for detecting light and sending visual signals to the brain. Any issues with the retina can lead to vision problems and even blindness, so it’s important to seek treatment as soon as possible.

Here are 5 signs that you should visit a retina specialist immediately:

Flashes of light or floaters in your peripheral vision

Flashes of light or floaters in your peripheral vision can be a sign of a detached or torn retina, which is a medical emergency. The retina is a delicate and sensitive part of the eye, responsible for detecting light and sending visual signals to the brain. If the retina becomes detached or torn, it can cause a range of symptoms, including flashes of light, floaters, and a decrease in vision.

If you experience floaters or flashes of light in your peripheral vision, it’s important to see a retina specialist immediately. A detached or torn retina can lead to permanent vision loss if left untreated, so early intervention is key.

Painless Loss of Vision

A sudden and painless loss of vision, especially in one eye, can be a sign of a retinal detachment or other serious eye condition. This type of vision loss is different from a gradual decline in vision over time, and it may occur suddenly and without warning.

Your retina specialist will conduct a thorough eye exam to determine the cause of your vision loss and develop an appropriate treatment plan. In many cases, a retinal detachment can be treated with surgery to reattach the retina and restore vision.

Difficulty Seeing at Night

Night blindness, or difficulty seeing at night, can be a sign of retinitis pigmentosa, a genetic disorder that affects the retina. Retinitis pigmentosa is a progressive condition that can lead to a slow and gradual loss of peripheral vision, as well as difficulty seeing at night.

If you have retinitis pigmentosa, you may experience difficulty seeing it in low-light conditions, such as at night or in dimly lit rooms. You may also notice a slow and progressive loss of peripheral vision, making it more difficult to see objects to the side.

Trouble Distinguishing Colors

If you have trouble distinguishing colours, it may be a sign of a condition called colour vision deficiency, which can be caused by a problem with the cones in the retina responsible for colour vision. Colour vision deficiency can range from mild to severe, and it can make it difficult to see and distinguish colours accurately.

Colour vision deficiency can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, disease, and ageing. In some cases, it may also be a symptom of a more serious eye condition, such as macular degeneration or glaucoma.

Blurred or Distorted Vision

Blurred or distorted vision can be a sign of several conditions, including macular degeneration, cataracts, and diabetic retinopathy. These conditions can affect different parts of the eye, including the cornea, lens, and retina, and they can cause a range of symptoms, including blurred or distorted vision.

Macular degeneration, for example, is a condition that affects the macula, the central part of the retina responsible for sharp, clear vision. Over time, the cells in the macula can break down, leading to blurred or distorted vision. Macular degeneration can be treated with medications or laser therapy to help slow its progression and preserve vision.

Cataracts, on the other hand, are cloudy areas in the lens of the eye that can cause blurred or distorted vision. Cataracts can develop gradually over time and can be treated with surgery to remove the cloudy lens and replace it with an artificial lens.

If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to see a retina specialist immediately to receive a complete eye exam and appropriate treatment. Early intervention can help preserve your vision and prevent permanent vision loss.