A retinal detachment is a medical EMERGENCY in which the retina peels off from the underlying tissue. Left untreated, it could lead to blindness.

This is more common in people with high myopia (near sightedness - prescriptions higher than -5.00). These patients should make sure to get a YEARLY DILATED EYE EXAM to make sure there are no retinal holes or tears that may lead to a detachment.

It is important to know the signs of a retinal detachment:
-flashes of light
-a sudden dramatic increase in floaters
-cobwebs in the vision
-shadows in the peripheral vision coming from any direction

If any of these signs are seen it is important to be seen by your optometrist immediately. If this occurs during after-hours, visit your local hospital's emergency room.