Retinal Detachment
The retina is a nerve layer at the back of your eye
that senses light and sends images to your brain.
A retinal
detachment occurs when the retina is pulled away from its normal
position. The retina does not work when it is detached.
A retinal
detachment is very serious and almost always causes blindness if
left untreated.
Causes
The vitreous is a clear gel that fills the eye. As
we age, the vitreous may pull away from its attachment to the retina
at the back of the eye.
Usually
the vitreous separates without causing problems, but sometimes the
vitreous pulls hard enough to tear the retina. Fluid may pass through
the retinal tear, lifting the retina off the back
of the eye.
Your
chances of getting a retinal detachment may be increased by:
- Nearsightedness
- Previous
cataract surgery
- Glaucoma
- Severe
injury
- Previous
retinal detachment in the other eye
- Family
history of retinal detachment
Symptoms
Early symptoms which may indicate a retinal detachment are:
- Flashing
lights
- New
floaters
- A
gray curtain moving across your field of vision
These
symptoms do not always mean a retinal detachment is present, however,
you should see an ophthalmologist as soon as possible.
Treatment
Almost all patients with retinal detachments require
surgery to put the retina back in its proper position.
Types
of Surgery
Most retinal tears require Laser surgery or
cryotherapy to seal the retina to the back wall of the eye.
Retinal
Detachment Surgery may require one of several methods of
repair, depending on the characteristic of your detachment.
 |
Scleral
Buckle is a flexible band placed around the eye to counteract
the force pulling the retina out of place. The ophthalmologist
often drains the fluid under the detached retina, pulling the
retina to its normal place against the back of the eye. This
procedure is performed in an operating room. |
| Pneumatic
retinopexy involves injecting a gas bubble into the
vitreous space inside the eye. The bubble pushes the retinal
tear closed. Your ophthalmologist will ask you to maintain a
certain head position for several days. The gas bubble will
gradually disappear. This procedure in done in the ophthalmologist's
office. |
 |
| Vitrectomy
surgery removes the vitreous gel, which is pulling on
the retina. The vitreous is then replaced with a gas bubble.
Your body's own fluids will gradually replace the bubble. Sometimes
vitrectomy is combined with scleral buckle. |
Vision
may take many months to improve. The more severe the detachment,
the less vision may return. For this reason, it is very important
to see your ophthalmologist at the first sign of trouble.
