Retinal Detachment

Know about Retinal Detachment

Retinal detachment is a serious eye condition where the retina, the light-sensitive layer of tissue at the back of the eye, separates from the underlying supportive tissue. This separation prevents the retina from functioning properly, leading to potential vision loss if not treated promptly. Here are key points about retinal detachment:

Types of Retinal Detachment

  • Rhegmatogenous Detachment: The most common type, caused by a tear or hole in the retina. This allows fluid to pass through and collect underneath the retina, pushing it away from the underlying tissues.
  • Tractional Detachment: Occurs when scar tissue on the retina’s surface contracts, pulling the retina away from the back of the eye. This is often seen in people with diabetes.
  • Exudative (or Serous) Detachment: Caused by fluid accumulation under the retina without a tear or hole. Conditions like inflammatory disorders or injury can cause this type.

Causes and Risk Factors:

Aging

The vitreous gel inside the eye shrinks and pulls away from the retina, leading to tears.

Injury

Trauma to the eye can cause retinal detachment.

Diabetic Retinopathy

Damage to retinal blood vessels can lead to scar tissue and detachment.

Previous Eye Surgery

Surgeries like cataract removal can increase the risk.

Extreme Nearsightedness (Myopia)

Higher risk due to the longer eyeball shape, which puts more tension on the retina.

Retinal detachment is a serious eye condition that requires immediate medical attention. The primary symptoms include:

  • Sudden Appearance of Floaters: These are tiny specks or strings that drift through your field of vision.
  • Flashes of Light: You may see sudden flashes of light in one or both eyes, which can be particularly noticeable in a dark room.
  • Blurred Vision: Vision can become blurred or distorted.
  • Reduced Peripheral Vision: A shadow or curtain may appear over a part of your peripheral (side) vision.
  • A Dark Curtain or Shadow: This usually starts from the peripheral vision and can gradually move towards the center.

Retinal detachment is a serious eye condition where the retina, a thin layer of tissue at the back of the eye, pulls away from its normal position. Without immediate treatment, retinal detachment can lead to permanent vision loss. The treatment options for retinal detachment vary depending on the severity and specific circumstances of the detachment. Here are the main treatments:

  • Used for small tears or holes in the retina.
  • A laser is used to create tiny burns around the retinal tear, causing scar tissue to form and seal the retina to the underlying tissue.
  • Used for small tears or holes.
  • A freezing probe is applied to the outer surface of the eye directly over the tear, causing a scar to form that secures the retina to the eye wall.
  • Suitable for certain types of retinal detachment.
  • A gas bubble is injected into the vitreous cavity inside the eye.
  • The patient must position their head so that the bubble floats to the retinal tear and presses it against the back of the eye.
  • Laser or cryopexy is then used to seal the tear.
  • Often used for more extensive detachments.
  • A flexible band (scleral buckle) is placed around the eye to gently press the eye wall against the detached retina.
  • The buckle is usually left in place permanently.
  • Commonly used for more severe detachments or when other methods are not feasible.
  • Involves removing the vitreous gel (the clear gel filling the eye) and replacing it with a gas bubble, silicone oil, or saline solution.
  • Laser or cryopexy is used to repair the tear or hole before the replacement material is inserted.
  • Recovery times and success rates vary depending on the type of surgery and the severity of the detachment.
  • It’s crucial to follow the ophthalmologist’s instructions, particularly regarding head positioning and activity restrictions.
  • Regular follow-up visits are necessary to monitor the healing process and check for any complications.
  • Regular eye exams can help detect early signs of retinal issues.
  • Immediate medical attention is required if symptoms of retinal detachment occur, such as sudden flashes of light, an increase in floaters, or a shadow or curtain over part of the visual field.

Treatment

Comet Eye Care
Think Eye
Think Comet