Ask a doctor - What can prevent retinal detachment?

Q. What can prevent retinal detachment?

Doctor Answer is medically reviewed by SecondMedic medical review team.

Answered by Secondmedic Expert

Retinal detachment is a serious medical condition that occurs when the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of your eye, begins to pull away from its normal position. If left untreated, it can cause severe vision loss and even blindness. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to prevent retinal detachment from occurring.

First and foremost, it is important for those who are at an increased risk for developing this condition (such as individuals with extreme nearsightedness or who have had certain types of eye surgery) to have regular checkups with their optometrist or ophthalmologist so that any underlying issues can be identified and treated before they become more serious. Additionally, proper eye protection should always be worn while participating in activities that increase risk of trauma to the eyes such as contact sports or shooting guns.

In some cases lifestyle changes can also help reduce risk of retinal detachment. This includes avoiding smoking which has been linked to accelerated aging of cells in the retina and lower oxygen levels in blood vessels; eating healthy foods rich in antioxidants such as dark leafy greens; managing chronic diseases like high blood pressure or diabetes; limiting exposure to computer screens and phones which emit blue light rays which may damage retinal cells over time; wearing sunglasses with 100% UVA/UVB protection outside during daylight hours; getting seven to eight hours of sleep daily (as poor quality sleep affects cell health); and exercising regularly as physical activity helps keep arteries open which increases blood flow throughout your body including your eyes!