Retinal Detachment

Understanding Retinal Detachment

What is Retinal Detachment? Retinal detachment is when the retina, a thin layer at the back of your eye, pulls away from its normal position. It separates from the blood vessels that provide it with oxygen and nutrients, similar to wallpaper peeling off a wall.

Symptoms to Be Aware Of

• Sudden Increase in Floaters: Small specks or cobwebs that drift in your field of vision.
• Flashes of Light: Brief sparks or flickers of light in one or both eyes.
• Shadow or Curtain Effect: A dark curtain-like shadow coming into your field of vision.
• Sudden Blurry or Decreased Vision: Particularly in severe cases.
• These symptoms can occur suddenly and need urgent attention.

What Causes Retinal Detachment? It can happen due to:

• A retinal tear, allowing fluid to get under the retina.
• Eye injuries or trauma.
• Advanced diabetes or other eye conditions.
• It’s more common in people over 50, those who are nearsighted, or have a family history of retinal detachment.

Treatment Options

• Laser Surgery or Cryotherapy: To seal a retinal tear and prevent detachment.
• Pneumatic Retinopexy: Injecting a gas bubble into the eye to push the retina back into place.
• Scleral Buckle: A band placed around the eye to gently push the walls of the eye against the detached retina.
• Vitrectomy: Removing the vitreous gel and replacing it with a gas bubble or silicone oil.

Prevention and Monitoring

• Regular eye exams, especially if you’re at higher risk.
• Immediate medical attention if you experience symptoms of a retinal detachment.

Prompt treatment of retinal detachment is crucial to prevent permanent vision loss. If you notice any of these symptoms, please contact our office immediately.