Eyeclopedia

Retinal Detachment

Retinal detachment is a serious condition that can lead to severe visual impairment or even total blindness in the affected eye. If any part of the retina is lifted or pulled from its normal position, it is considered detached, and will cause some vision loss. Retinal detachment can occur at any age, but it is more common in mid-life and later. It affects men more than women, and Caucasians more than Blacks. It is more likely to occur in people who are extremely nearsighted. Heredity may also play a part since it tends to run in families.

What Causes Retinal Detachment?
The retina normally lies smoothly and firmly against the inside back wall of the eyeball and functions much like the film in the back of a camera. Any tiny tears or holes in the retina can allow fluid to seep under the retina, separating it from the back wall of the eye.

Most of the eye’s interior is filled with vitreous, a gel-like substance that helps maintain its round shape. The vitreous contains millions of fine fibers that are normally attached to the retina and may at some point be pulled free. Once in a while, this pulling results in one or more tears or tiny holes in the retina. Then, the fluid from the vitreous compartment of the eye can leak through the hole(s) and get under the retina. Retinal tears may also result from a hard blow or injury to the eye, though this is rather rare.

Symptoms Of Retinal Detachment
Because the retina is such a sensitive part of the visual system, anything that disturbs it will cause visual symptoms. When it tears, you are likely to have a sudden appearance of floaters - a shower of "cobwebs" in your field of vision - which may be accompanied by "flashes," a sensation of seeing a flashing bright light. Though it is normal to have a few floaters, a sudden increase in their number and size is a warning sign that a detachment may have occurred. The flashes are sensations from the retina as it is pulled or torn.

Treatment
Depending on the severity of the retinal detachment or hole, one, or a combination of procedures may be required. These include laser surgery, cryotherapy, scleral buckle, drainage, vitreous surgery, or intraocular gas injection. Once a retinal detachment has occurred, however, all holes and tears that have allowed fluid to collect under the retina must be sealed.