A BLACK CURTAIN THAT COVERS VISION

WHAT DOES IT MEAN HAVING A BLACK CURTAIN THAT COVERS VISION OR PART OF IT?

The appearance of a black veil that covers totally or partially the vision field is usually a sign of retinal detachment. If this symptom, moreover, is accompanied by recently emerged floaters, the probability of confirming this diagnosis is a high one. The retinal detachment is the coming apart of the retinal pigment epithelium and the neurosensory retina. This is usually caused by a tearing or a hole in the retina between both layers. It is extremely important to go to the ophthalmologist’s as quickly as possible when such a symptom appears for a prompt performance is essential in order to preserve your vision.

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I SEE A BLACK CURTAIN?

If you experience this symptom we advise you to be seen by the ophthalmologist urgently since the final prognosis changes depending on how much part of the retina is detached (above all if this affects its centre or not) and how long has this clinical picture been going on.

HOW IS A RETINAL DETACHMENT TREATED?

The only way to treat a retinal detachment is by means of surgery. There don’t exist eyedrops or tablets to fit the retina back to its place. Surgery involves flattening the retina again, laying it on its place and make a laser barrier around the tearing or hole that has caused it. To end up the surgery, it is usually applied a gas that will help fixing the retina properly during the post-operative course. This gas will go away by its own with no need of further surgery performances.