Retinal detachment is a potential medical emergency that can be corrected if it is caught early. However, if medical treatment is delayed too long, then it could lead to permanent damage that affects your sight or even causes blindness in the affected eye.
This article explores the symptoms that precede a retinal detachment emergency to help you take the necessary steps to save your vision if you suspect that you’re experiencing a detachment.
Warning Signs of a Detached Retina
The retina is in the back of the eye, processes light and sends messages to the optic nerve. It is positioned in the back of an eye and sits atop supportive tissue. When it rips or tears, it is at risk of detaching from the back of the eye, which impacts the ability to see.
Simply put, if a healthy retina isn’t attached and in the proper position, messages aren’t sent to the optic nerve and the eye cannot see. And, if the retina cannot be repaired and detached, then the damage can be permanent.
Types of Retinal Detachment
There are three primary forms of retinal detachment:
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Rhegmatogenous Detachment
The most common type. It occurs when a tear allows fluid from the vitreous gel to leak behind the retina, separating it from the tissue beneath. This often affects people who are very nearsighted or have had cataract surgery. -
Tractional Detachment
This type is caused by scar tissue pulling on the retina, commonly seen in people with diabetic retinopathy or damaged blood vessels. -
Exudative Detachment
Caused by fluid buildup beneath the retina, without a tear. It’s often linked to eye injuries, inflammatory diseases, kidney disorders, or high blood pressure.
Who Is at Risk?
Your risk of retinal detachment increases if you:
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Are over age 50
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Have severe nearsightedness
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Have a family history of retinal detachment
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Have diabetes or high blood pressure
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Experienced a previous eye injury or surgery
Early Warning Signs of Retinal Detachment
Retinal detachment is painless, but symptoms can appear suddenly. According to the Mayo Clinic, you should seek immediate care if you experience:
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Sudden flashes of light
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A surge in floaters
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A dark shadow or curtain across your field of vision
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Blurry or distorted central vision
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Worsening peripheral vision
Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial. If you notice any of these signs, don’t wait—contact your eye doctor immediately.
Retinal Detachment Diagnosis and Repair
There are two methods your eye doctor may use to diagnose your issue:
- Examine the back of the eye with an ophthalmoscope, which detects tears or a detached retina
- Ultrasound may be used if your eye has been bleeding to better examine the retina
Surgery is the way to repair detachment and retinal tears. According to the National Eye Institute, a common treatment for retinal holes are laser surgery or a treatment called “cryopexy” that freezes tears to reattach the retina to the underlying tissue. Both are typically performed in our ambulatory surgery centers. The following three methods may be used to repair the damage:
- Pneumatic retinopexy is a procedure where the retina specialist injects a gas bubble into your eye. The bubble helps moves the detached retina back into place. Once in place, the retina may be secured with laser and or cryopexy.
- A scleral buckle is a silicone band attached around the equator of the eyeball. It indents the wall of the eye pushing it against the retina Once in place, cryopexy or laser may be used to re-attach the retina.
- Vitrectomy is surgery to remove some or all of the vitreous humor from the eye. Your doctor may do a vitrectomy to make it easier to view and repair your retina including the macula. After the vitreous is removed it is often replaced with saline solution.
Following surgery to correct a retinal detachment emergency, discomfort is common in the repaired and healing eye. However, it’s worth noting that the NEI reports that 90 percent of patients who experience a retinal tear can be successfully treated. It may take more than one treatment or several months of healing, and the ideal outcome cannot always be guaranteed.
The best thing to do is talk to your doctor about your chances for success.
Schedule an Exam with a Retinal Specialist Near You
If you have symptoms that suggest your retina may be detaching, contact an eye doctor immediately.
A specialist will give you a proper examination and provide treatment.
If you’re looking for a retinal specialist in your area, contact Southwestern Eye Center to schedule a consultation today.