Retinal conditions FAQs

The retina acts like the ‘film’ of a camera, sending information about shapes, colours, patterns and movement via the optic nerve to the brain, where the information is processed. If the retina is damaged, this will cause visual disturbances or loss of vision.

No. Your retina lines the inside of the back of your eye and must be examined by an optometrist or ophthalmologist using special equipment. Eye drops are used to dilate the pupil to allow proper examination. However, you may be able to use an Amsler Grid to identify signs of change to your central vision. Any concerns should be investigated immediately.

If surgery to reattach your retina is not performed, there is a high chance you will lose your vision. The eye may also become painful later.

Floaters are particles within the eye that float around like specks or smudges in your field of vision. They occur when the vitreous – the clear, jelly-like fluid that fills your eye – degenerates with age. Floaters can be harmless (e.g. a sign of posterior vitreous detachment). But they may also be a sign of more serious retinal conditions, including retinal detachment and diabetic retinopathy, so make sure you have your eyes checked.