Retinal Detachment: Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment

Retinal detachment is a serious condition where the retina at the back of the eye pulls away from its normal location. When retinal detachment occurs, the retina becomes separated from the blood vessels that help provide oxygen to the eye. The longer the retina is detached, the more at risk the person is for losing their vision permanently. A detached retina is considered an emergency situation.

Retinal Detachment Causes

Retinal detachment can happen to people of all ages. There are three major factors that can cause the retina to move or become detached. These factors include:

• Sagging vitreous
• Injury
• Advanced diabetes

Retinal Detachment Symptoms

The symptoms of a detached can sometimes be hard to notice. They can also vary by person. Many people go to the eye doctor because they are having vision problems only to learn that they are suffering from a detached retina. Some of the symptoms of this condition include:

• The sudden appearance of floaters
• Flashes of lights in one or both eyes
• Blurred vision
• Poor peripheral vision
• Curtain-like shadow over field of vision

Retinal Detachment Diagnosis

Doctors need to be able to see into the eye to determine if the retina is detached or if there are any other problems. They may perform a variety of tests to confirm the diagnosis. The most common ways that doctors diagnose a detached retina include:

• Retinal exam: doctors use a special instrument to look into the eye and see all the way to the retina. The doctor can see if there are any tears or problems.
• Ultrasound: Doctors will use an ultrasound to see inside the eye. This is especially useful if the eye has been bleeding, which makes it hard to see the actual retina.

Retinal Detachment Treatment

Retinal detachment is a serious condition and needs to be treated quickly to avoid vision problems and other complications. Doctors can treat it in a variety of ways, including:

• Pneumatic Retinopexy: Air or gas is injected into the eye. It can help push the retina back into place so the fluid no longer leaks out and the blood vessels can grow back.
• Scleral Buckling: Doctors attach a small piece of silicone to the white part of the eye. It acts as a patch that helps keep the retina in place.
• Vitrectomy: Doctors can drain and replace the fluid in the eye. Any tissue that may be pulling on the retina is removed, the fluid is drained, and new fluid is injected into the eye to help flatten the retina and keep it in place.
• Surgery: The doctors surgically attach the retina back to the eye.

Retinal Detachment Prognosis

The prognosis for people who have their detached retinas treated or repaired quickly is good. If left untreated, it can quickly get worse and cause vision problems and even blindness. People who have lost vision as a result of a retinal detachment may or may not regain it. People who have had a retinal detachment are likely to experience retina tears or holes and may need future treatments.

Resources:

• American Ophthalmological Society