## Is It Safe to Skydive With Retinal Detachment?
Retinal detachment is a serious eye condition that can lead to blindness if not treated promptly. It occurs when the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye, separates from the underlying layer of tissue.
There are a number of risk factors for retinal detachment, including:
Nearsightedness
Age (over 50)
Family history of retinal detachment
Eye trauma
Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes and high blood pressure
Skydiving is a high-impact activity that can put stress on the eyes. This stress can increase the risk of retinal detachment in people who are already at risk for the condition.
## Symptoms of Retinal Detachment
The symptoms of retinal detachment can include:
Flashes of light
Floaters
Blurred vision
Distorted vision
Loss of peripheral vision
A dark curtain or shadow over part of the vision
## Diagnosis of Retinal Detachment
Retinal detachment is diagnosed with an eye exam. The doctor will dilate the pupils and examine the retina with an ophthalmoscope.
## Treatment of Retinal Detachment
Retinal detachment is treated with surgery. The type of surgery will depend on the severity of the detachment.
## Risks of Skydiving With Retinal Detachment
The risks of skydiving with retinal detachment include:
Increased risk of retinal detachment
Worsening of existing retinal detachment
Blindness
## Recommendations
If you have retinal detachment, you should not skydive. The risk of further damage to your eye is too great.
If you are considering skydiving and have a family history of retinal detachment, you should talk to your doctor first. Your doctor can assess your risk of retinal detachment and make recommendations about whether or not it is safe for you to skydive.
## Conclusion
Retinal detachment is a serious eye condition that can lead to blindness. Skydiving is a high-impact activity that can put stress on the eyes and increase the risk of retinal detachment in people who are already at risk for the condition. If you have retinal detachment, you should not skydive. If you are considering skydiving and have a family history of retinal detachment, you should talk to your doctor first.