Retinal Detachment
What is retinal detachment?
Retinal detachment is a condition affecting the eye that occurs when the retina, which is the light-sensitive tissue layer located at the back of your eye, becomes separated from its usual position.
What are the symptoms of retinal detachment?
If only a minor section of your retina has detached, you might not experience any noticeable symptoms.
However, if a larger portion of your retina is detached, you may find that your vision is not as clear as it typically is, and you might observe other sudden signs, such as:
An increase in floaters (small dark specks or wavy lines that drift across your field of vision)
Flashes of light in one or both eyes
A dark shadow or “curtain” obscuring parts of your peripheral or central vision
Retinal detachment is considered a medical emergency. If you notice any symptoms indicative of a detached retina, it is crucial to seek immediate attention from your eye care professional or visit the emergency room.
The symptoms associated with retinal detachment can appear suddenly. If the condition is not addressed promptly, there is a risk that more of the retina may detach, which significantly raises the chances of experiencing permanent vision impairment or even blindness.
Am I at risk for retinal detachment?
While anyone can experience retinal detachment, certain individuals are at a greater risk. You may be at an elevated risk if:
You or a family member has previously experienced retinal detachment
You have suffered a serious eye injury
You have undergone eye surgery, such as cataract surgery
Additionally, other eye-related issues may increase your risk, including:
Diabetic retinopathy (a condition affecting the blood vessels in the retina in individuals with diabetes)
Severe nearsightedness (myopia), particularly a serious form known as degenerative myopia
Posterior vitreous detachment (when the gel-like substance in the center of the eye separates from the retina)
Various other eye disorders, such as retinoschisis (where the retina splits into two layers) or lattice degeneration (thinning of the retina)
If you have concerns regarding your risk for retinal detachment, it is advisable to consult with your eye care provider.
What causes retinal detachment?
There are numerous factors that can lead to retinal detachment, with the most prevalent causes being aging and eye injuries.
Retinal detachment can be classified into three types: rhegmatogenous, tractional, and exudative. Each type arises from different issues that cause the retina to separate from the back of the eye.
How can I prevent retinal detachment?
Since aging is a common factor in the development of retinal detachment, it is often unavoidable. However, you can reduce your risk of retinal detachment due to eye injuries by wearing protective eyewear, such as safety goggles, during high-risk activities like sports.
If you notice any signs of retinal detachment, it is essential to visit your eye doctor or the emergency room without delay. Early intervention can help avert permanent vision loss.
Regular comprehensive dilated eye examinations are also crucial. A dilated eye exam allows your eye doctor to detect any minor retinal tears or detachments early on, before they start to impact your vision.
Did you know?
Retinal detachment can affect anyone.
If you experience an eye injury or trauma (such as an object striking your eye), it is vital to consult an eye doctor to check for early indications of retinal detachment.
While seeing a few floaters (small dark spots or squiggly lines) in your vision is normal, a sudden increase in floaters warrants immediate eye examination.
How will my doctor check for retinal detachment?
If you observe any warning signs of retinal detachment, your eye doctor will perform a dilated eye exam to assess your eyes. They will administer eye drops to dilate (enlarge) your pupils and then examine your retina at the back of your eye.
This examination is generally painless. The doctor may apply pressure to your eyelids to check for retinal tears, which could be uncomfortable for some individuals.
If your eye doctor requires further information after the dilated eye exam, you may undergo an ultrasound or an optical coherence tomography (OCT) scan of your eye. Both tests are painless and assist your eye doctor in determining the precise position of your retina.
What’s the treatment for retinal detachment?
The treatment for retinal detachment depends on the extent of the detachment and the specific type involved. Your eye doctor may suggest laser surgery, freezing treatment, or other surgical options to repair any tears or breaks in your retina and reattach it to the back of your eye. In some cases, a combination of these treatments may be utilized.
Freeze treatment (cryopexy) or laser surgery: If there is a small hole or tear in your retina, your doctor can employ a freezing probe or a medical laser to seal any tears or breaks. These procedures are typically performed in the eye doctor’s office.
Surgery: If a larger section of your retina has detached from the back of your eye, surgical intervention may be necessary to reposition your retina. These surgeries are often conducted in a hospital setting.
Treatment for retinal detachment is generally effective, especially when the detachment is identified early. In some instances, a second treatment or surgery may be required if the retina detaches again; however, treatment is ultimately successful for approximately 90% of individuals.