DETACHED RETINA

The retina is a light sensitive tissue located at the back of the eye. As light filters through the lens of the eye, it is focused on the retina. The retina then acts like a camera, taking a picture and sending that image to the brain. A detached retina occurs when the retina tears or separates from the wall of the eye. A torn or detached retina requires immediate medical treatment to prevent loss of vision.

Retinal tear or detachment is most likely to happen to someone who is middle aged or older, has had an eye injury, severe eye inflammation, or a tumor in the eye. It has been reported that eye surgery such as cataract surgery or sometimes Lasik has increased the risk for a detached retina. More importantly, people who are very nearsighted have a very high risk for retinal detachment. Other high-risk situations are people who have a medical condition, such as diabetes. Diabetics can have new blood vessels grow under the retina, pushing the retina away from its support network and causing the retina to detach.

Symptoms of retinal detachment include:

sudden or gradual increase in the number of floaters (spots)
sudden flashes of light and
the appearance of a shadow or curtain over part or all of the field of vision

See a healthcare provider immediately if having any of these symptoms! Retinal detachment is a medical emergency.

Retinal detachment is painless, but visual symptoms almost always appear before the retina detaches. Early treatment of a retinal tear or detachment is important. A detachment may quickly lead to total loss of vision in that eye. Suddenly seeing floaters or light flashes may be the retina tearing. A retinal tear or detachment is a medical emergency if vision is to be saved. The longer the retina remains detached, the greater the chances that partial or total blindness will result. Most retinal detachments can be repaired, with good results, if treated early.

All surgeries to repair a detached retina involve securing the retina in place. Surgery is the only treatment for either a retinal tear or a retinal hole. The surgical procedure for a retinal tear or hole creates a scar that holds the retina to the tissue behind it. The two procedures to create scarring are photocoagulation and cryopexy. Photocoagulation uses a laser to cause scarring, while cryopexy uses a freezing probe.

In addition to the surgery for retinal detachment, silicon oil or a bubble of gas can be injected into the jelly like fluid of the eye. Gas expands and presses the retina againt its support network. This is needed for the retina to be able to function properly.

It is not always possible to prevent a retinal hole, tear, or even a detachment. It is possible to prevent blindness from a detachment by seeing an eye care provider immediately when symptoms start.

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

HIL File EYES4521.RF2 VRS# 4521 Data Version 7.0