Retinal Detachment |
Retinal detachment occurs when the retina's sensory and
pigment layers separate. Because it can cause devastating
damage to the vision if left untreated, retinal detachment
is considered an ocular emergency that requires
immediate medical attention and surgery. It is a problem
that occurs most frequently in the middle-aged and
elderly.
pigment layers separate. Because it can cause devastating
damage to the vision if left untreated, retinal detachment
is considered an ocular emergency that requires
immediate medical attention and surgery. It is a problem
that occurs most frequently in the middle-aged and
elderly.
The first signs of retinal detachment are floaters and flashes of light, usually in the
peripheral vision. The sudden appearance of spots or flashes can indicate a tear in the
retina. A sudden increase in the number and size of floaters may also be a warning that
the retina is tearing.
Wavy or water vision and a sudden loss of vision are also danger signs to look for.
Blurred central vision indicates that retinal detachment is progressing and the result is
significant, permanent vision loss unless it is repaired. Retinal detachment usually
develops gradually, causing noticeable symptoms, but in some cases it occurs suddenly.
This causes total vision loss in the affected eye. Total vision loss can also be caused by a
retinal tear that bleeds into the vitreous.
Treatment
Early treatment can greatly improve the chance of restoring vision. There are a number
of risk factors associated with retinal detachments including cataract surgery, diabetic
retinopathy, family history of the disease, thinning of the retina and traumatic eye
injuries.
Surgical treatment for retinal detachment depends on type, severity, and location of the
detachment. Treatment risks include infection, bleeding, cataract development, and
increased pressure inside the eye. However, without intervention, retinal detachment
usually causes permanent partial vision loss or blindness.
Reattaching the retina can be done using laser photocoagulation, a method of sealing off
leaking blood vessels. Destroying new blood vessel growth with a laser beam is another
way to reattach the retina.
Cryotherapy is another method for reattaching the retina. It uses nitrous oxide to freeze
the tissue behind the retinal tear, stimulating scar tissue formation that will seal the
edges of the tear.
Pneumatic retinopexy is most effective for detachments that occur in the upper portion
of the eye. The eye is numbed with local anesthesia and a small gas bubble is injected
into the vitreous body. The bubble rises and presses against the retina, flattening it
against the back wall of the eye. The gas bubble is slowly absorbed over the next few
weeks and cryotherapy or laser is used to seal the retina into place.
peripheral vision. The sudden appearance of spots or flashes can indicate a tear in the
retina. A sudden increase in the number and size of floaters may also be a warning that
the retina is tearing.
Wavy or water vision and a sudden loss of vision are also danger signs to look for.
Blurred central vision indicates that retinal detachment is progressing and the result is
significant, permanent vision loss unless it is repaired. Retinal detachment usually
develops gradually, causing noticeable symptoms, but in some cases it occurs suddenly.
This causes total vision loss in the affected eye. Total vision loss can also be caused by a
retinal tear that bleeds into the vitreous.
Treatment
Early treatment can greatly improve the chance of restoring vision. There are a number
of risk factors associated with retinal detachments including cataract surgery, diabetic
retinopathy, family history of the disease, thinning of the retina and traumatic eye
injuries.
Surgical treatment for retinal detachment depends on type, severity, and location of the
detachment. Treatment risks include infection, bleeding, cataract development, and
increased pressure inside the eye. However, without intervention, retinal detachment
usually causes permanent partial vision loss or blindness.
Reattaching the retina can be done using laser photocoagulation, a method of sealing off
leaking blood vessels. Destroying new blood vessel growth with a laser beam is another
way to reattach the retina.
Cryotherapy is another method for reattaching the retina. It uses nitrous oxide to freeze
the tissue behind the retinal tear, stimulating scar tissue formation that will seal the
edges of the tear.
Pneumatic retinopexy is most effective for detachments that occur in the upper portion
of the eye. The eye is numbed with local anesthesia and a small gas bubble is injected
into the vitreous body. The bubble rises and presses against the retina, flattening it
against the back wall of the eye. The gas bubble is slowly absorbed over the next few
weeks and cryotherapy or laser is used to seal the retina into place.