What is Retinal Detachment?
Your retina senses light and sends signals to your brain to let you see. When your retinal detaches from the tissue underneath, it becomes deprived of oxygen and nutrients, as it is separated from its blood supply.
Retinal detachment is a medical emergency that causes loss of vision. The loss can be partial or total and occurs when the retina separates from the back of the eye. Permanent vision loss may occur if the retinal detachment is left untreated or if treatment is delayed.
The types of retinal detachment you may experience include:
- Rhegmatogenous: This is the most common type of retinal detachment and may happen as you grow older. It happens when a small tear in your retina results in the buildup of fluid behind it. This build up pushes the retina away, detaching it from the back of your eye.
- Tractional: This type of retinal detachment happens when scar tissue on your retina pull it away from the back of your eye. Diabetes is a common cause for this type of retinal detachment.
- Exudative: This type of retinal detachment happens when there is a build up of fluid behind the retina even though there is no tear. The main cause for fluid build up are leaking blood vessels or swelling behind the eye which may be due to conditions such as uveitis.
What are the symptoms of Retinal Detachment?
Symptoms of retinal detachment may happen suddenly and include:
- Blurred vision
- Curtain-like shadow over your visual field
- Gradually reduced peripheral vision
- Flashes of light in one or both eyes
- Sudden appearance of floaters in field of vision
What are the risk factors of Retinal Detachment?
The following factors may increase your risk of retinal detachment:
- Age: Retinal detachment is more common in people aged 40 to 70.
- Past history: Your chances of retinal detachment increases if you have a past history of retinal detachment, myopia, a past eye surgery such as cataract removal, or a severe eye injury.
- Family history: If someone in your family suffers from retinal detachment, your chances of developing it increases.
- Current eye conditions: This includes eye conditions such as retinoschisis, uveitis, or thinning of the peripheral retina called lattice degeneration.
How do you prevent Retinal Detachment?
You can't prevent rhegmatogenous retinal detachment, however there are steps you can take to lower your risk:
- Regular eye examinations: If you have nearsightedness, eye exams are especially important. Myopia makes you more vulnerable to retinal detachment.
- Take precautions: Before doing any risky activities or playing sports, use safety goggles or other protection for your eyes.
- Get prompt treatment: Don't ignore potential signs and symptoms of retinal detachment and make sure to speak with a healthcare expert about any concerning symptoms you may be experiencing.
- Manage health conditions: Good overall health is central to good eye health. Be sure to stay on top of any existing health conditions, such as diabetes, which increases your risk of retinal detachment.
How is Retinal Detachment diagnosed?
Eye Examination
An eye examination is done to detect the presence of retinal holes, tears or detachments.
Imaging Tests
Ultrasound imaging may be used, especially if bleeding or cloudiness in the eye makes it difficult to view the retina directly.
