Retinal Detachment

Retinal detachment occurs when the thin lining at the back of your eye begins to pull away from the blood vessels that supply it.

What is retinal detachment?
The retina is a thin layer of nerve cells that lines the inside of the eye. It is sensitive to light (like the film in a camera) and you need it to be able to see properly. The image that one sees is focused by the lens and cornea in the front of the eye and then cast upon the center of the retina (macula) in the back of the eye. Over the time, retinal detachment will lead to progressive loss of peripheral and, eventually, central vision. If left untreated, total and permanent loss of sight eventually occurs in most cases. Without treatment, a retinal detachment usually leads to blindness in the affected eye.

Retinal Detachment Causes

Most retinal detachment occurs as a natural ageing process in the eye. It is unlikely that it would be caused by anything that you have done.
A rhegmatogenous type of retinal detachment is caused by a break, tear or hole in the retina, allowing fluid from the vitreous cavity of the eye to track under the retina, detaching it from the eye wall. It is the most common type of retinal detachment.
Retinal tears and associated detachments of the retina are often spontaneous and unpredictable events.  While detachment can arise following trauma, it is usually caused by separation of the vitreous gel from the retina.  Over time as we age, the vitreous gel liquefies. It eventually collapses upon itself and separates from the surface of the retina (posterior vitreous detachment).  During or shortly after this event, a retinal tear can occur as a result of the gel pulling on the thin retinal tissue.
Anyone can develop a retinal detachment at any time, but certain people are at higher risk than others. Common risk factors are:

• Diabetes
• Contact sports
• Trauma
• Family history
• Short-sighted of a glasses prescription over - 5.00

Symptoms

Symptoms of vitreous detachment, retinal tear, and retinal detachment may coexist and include:
• Sudden onset of floaters (mobile black spots or cobwebs in the vision)
• Sudden onset of flashing lights in vision
• Blurred vision
• Gradual loss of peripheral vision in the form of a shadow, curtain, or cloud (this corresponds to the retina detaching.)

Treatment for retinal detachment

The treatment involves surgery. During the operation, your eye surgeon will seal the retinal holes and reattach your retina.
Have questions or concerns about your eye health? Feel free to get in touch with our dedicated team of experts. We‘re here to help you see the world more clearly”. Contact Us on +91 872 598 7940.

Read more about Retinal Detachment