Retinal Detachment
Retinal detachment is a serious eye condition in which the retina has become detached from its normal position. It is a medical emergency and can lead to vision loss or blindness.
What Is Retinal Detachment?
The retina is a thin layer of cells on the back of the eye. It senses and sends light signals to the brain. Retinal detachment happens when the retina shifts or peels away from its normal position.
The retina becomes disconnected from vital blood vessels that preserve vision. The longer it goes untreated, the greater the damage to the retina and the ability to see out of that eye.
The three main types of retinal detachment are:
- Rhegmatogenous: Holes or tears in the retina
- Tractional: A change in shape or structure that results in separation
- Exudative: An excess of fluid creates a barrier between the retina and the blood vessels
Causes
The causes of retinal detachment depend on which type you experience.
Rhegmatogenous
As the most common type of retinal detachment, it’s often related to the aging process and changes in the amount of fluid within the eye. These changes then affect the retina, which begins to pull away or develop a hole or tear.
Tractional
Tractional retinal detachment is often seen in adults with poorly controlled diabetes or other conditions that result in scarring and hardening within the eye, pulling on the retina.
Exudative
Exudative detachment may result from macular degeneration, physical injuries to the eye, tumors, or inflammatory diseases.
Symptoms
Retinal detachment is not normally painful, but there are symptoms to watch for. You should seek emergency medical or ophthalmic care at the first sign of any of the following symptoms:
- Sudden, multiple floaters (specks that seem to move around in your field of vision)
- Persistent flashes of light (photopsia)
- Blurred vision
- Reduced peripheral vision
- The sensation of darkening vision
Diagnosis
A dilated eye exam allows your doctor or optometrist to examine the interior of your eye and detect any deformities. They may also order an ocular ultrasound.
Keeping up with regular eye exams can also help detect minor problems early on and reduce the risk of vision loss.
Treatment Options
Treatment for retinal detachment is generally a surgical procedure. Your ophthalmologist will discuss your options and help you make an informed decision about the best course of treatment.
Surgical intervention might include:
- Photocoagulation: Laser surgery creates focused scarring to hold the retina in place.
- Cryopexy: Freezing can also be used to secure the retina.
- Pneumatic retinopexy: Air or gas is injected into the center of the eye to push against the retina to hold it in place. This may also be used with cryopexy.
- Scleral buckling: The surgeon sews a silicon patch over the affected area.
- Vitrectomy: The fluids in the eye are drained and replaced with air, gas or silicone oil to flatten the retina back into place gently. This process may also be used during scleral buckling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I at Risk for Retinal Detachment?
Will My Vision Return After Treatment?
How Long Before a Retinal Detachment Causes Blindness?
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