Retinal detachment is a serious eye problem that can occur suddenly and without warning. The first symptom can be a shadow across part of your vision or sudden loss of peripheral vision. In order to diagnose retinal detachment, your doctor will perform a thorough examination. They will test your near and distance vision, as well as your side vision. These tests are routine but can reveal other problems that could lead to retinal detachment.
Painless
Painless retinal detachment is a relatively rare condition, but it can lead to significant vision loss. The signs and symptoms can be subtle and include floaters, shading of vision from one side, and a rapid decline in the quality of central vision. The condition can be treated with laser surgery or freezing of the retina.
Fortunately, treatment is usually relatively simple, and results are generally positive. Patients should have annual eye exams, but they may need to see a retina specialist more often. The success rate for a retinal detachment depends on how severe the detachment is and whether it was detected early enough to prevent permanent vision loss.
Serious
Serious retinal detachment is a common eye condition that can cause severe vision loss. It happens when blood vessels in the retina tear. This allows the retina to come away from the choroid. Sometimes the detachment occurs slowly or quickly. If the condition is not treated quickly, it can cause permanent blindness. Treatment for retinal detachment involves surgery. In some cases, this procedure can be done in a doctor’s office.
Some people may not experience symptoms of retinal detachment, but other people may notice increased floaters or flashes of light. They may also experience blurred or distorted vision. A dilated eye examination is usually necessary to diagnose this eye problem. In this examination, your doctor will use eye drops to dilate your pupil, which allows him or her to see the retina with increased clarity.
Requires Surgery
If a tear in the retina causes you to lose vision, surgery is usually required to correct the condition. A surgeon can perform a vitrectomy, a procedure that removes the damaged retina and replaces it with a thin piece of plastic. Another option is a scleral buckle, which fixes the retina in place. The procedure is usually painless and will last for 90 minutes.
After your surgery, you may experience an immediate improvement in your vision. However, it can take a few days to get back to normal. You should make regular follow-up appointments to ensure that your vision is improving and there are no side effects from the procedure. If you experience any pain or swelling after the surgery, you should call the Center for Sight immediately. If the condition persists, you may need another surgery.
Causes
Retinal detachments can be caused by a number of different conditions. The most common is a tear or hole in the retina. This causes fluid to collect under the retina, pulling it away from the underlying tissues. Eventually, the retina becomes detached, and the person loses vision.
Other symptoms of retinal detachment include flashes of light, blurred vision, and increased floaters in peripheral vision. In extreme cases, retinal detachment may lead to permanent vision loss. Surgery is necessary for most patients. During the procedure, doctors use precision instruments to reattach the retina. Sometimes, they may insert a bubble into the eye to encourage the retina to reattach.
Symptoms
Retinal detachment is a common condition that can occur in older people. The tear in the retina can allow the vitreous to collect behind it, pulling the retina away from the back of the eye. This detachment is caused by one of two main causes: a tear in the retina or a tear in the vitreous. In either case, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately to determine the cause and determine if you have a detached retina.
Symptoms of a detached retina include vision loss and flashing lights in the eye. If left untreated retinal detachment can lead to permanent vision loss. For this reason, patients with this condition will likely need surgery to repair the retina. During surgery, doctors will use precision instruments to reattach the retina. They may also insert a bubble that will help the retina reattach.
Treatment
Treatment for retinal detachment involves repairing the detached retina with a surgical procedure. During a surgical procedure, the eye doctor will use lasers to reattach the damaged retina. If the detachment is exudative, however, the procedure requires a different procedure. An ophthalmologist will explain the risks and benefits of each option.
Symptoms of a detached retina include flashes, floaters, and distorted vision. If left untreated, the condition can lead to permanent loss of vision. In most cases, surgery will be needed to treat retinal detachment. In some cases, a doctor may insert a bubble to help the retina reattach.
