Retinal Detachment
Definition
A retinal detachment is an uncommon condition in which the
retina becomes separated from the underlying layers of the eye wall. The
retina is the layer of light sensitive nerve tissue in the back of the eye
similar to the film in a camera. A retinal detachment most often occurs spontaneously
but in rare cases may arise as a result of a severe eye injury. Most detachments
are initiated by a posterior vitreous separation, a naturally occurring shrinkage
of the vitreous (a clear jelly-like substance that fills the back cavity
of the eye in front of the retina) that occurs as people age and can occur
in younger individuals when certain risk factors (see below) present. This
process can pull holes or tears in the retina, allowing fluid from the vitreal
cavity of the eye to pass through the retinal break and accumulate beneath
the retina. This fluid lifts and separates the retina from the underlying
layers, thus preventing the retina from functioning properly and resulting
in a loss of vision in the area where the retina is detached.
Occurrence
Retinal detachment is an uncommon condition affecting approximately
1 in every 10,000 persons each year. Conditions that may increase the probability
of having a retinal detachment are:
- Near-sightedness (Myopia)
- Injury to the eye
- Lattice degeneration, or thin areas near the edges of the
retina
- History of cataract surgery
- Glaucoma
Symptoms
Floaters - A few to hundreds
of dark spots, webs, or objects may "float"
in the field of vision. These floaters may represent bleeding
inside the eye, or the normal aging changes in the vitreous, or they may
indicate a potential retinal tear or detachment.
Lightning Flashes - Lightening
flashes are generated by the vitreous tugging on the retina during the vitreous
separation. After the initiation of the vitreous separation, it is common
to notice flashes of light in settings of dim illumination or darkness for
up to a few weeks. An increase in flashes, the appearance of multiple flashes
while in a lit room or while in sunlight may be an indication of a retinal
tear of detachment.
Curtain or Shadow –A retinal
detachment typically begins peripherally or at the edges of the retina, thus
resulting in an initial loss of side, or peripheral, vision. The patient
may become aware of a curtain or shadow approaching from above, below, or
the side, which will ultimately move toward central vision.
Risk
If left untreated, retinal detachments typically progress
and ultimately lead to complete blindness. These symptoms merit an immediate
examination by an ophthalmologist. Prompt attention can frequently prevent
or minimize permanent visual loss. Once the detachment involves the central
aspect of the vision, and as the length of time that a detachment is present
increases, the chance of significantly improving the vision with treatment
diminishes. Currently 85 - 95% of retinal detachments can be successfully
anatomically repaired. The vision may not return to normal even with successful
intervention, however it becomes much less likely to do so once the central
aspect of the vision is affected by the detachment.
Treatment
The type, size, location, and duration of the retinal detachment
are some of the factors that determine the course of treatment. The surgeon
will evaluate these factors when deciding whether to perform photocoagulation
(laser), pneumatic retinopexy, scleral buckling, or a vitrectomy. Each of
these treatments has the same objective: to close all of the breaks in the
retina and place the retina back in its normal anatomic position. The surgeon
will discuss the recommended procedure as well as the inherent advantages
and risks to the approach that is appropriate for each individual case.
If you have any comments or questions feel free to email us
or call 920-327-7000 or 1-877-462-9465 |
Quick Links
Click the links below to learn more about some of the conditions
Green Bay Eye Clinic physicians specialize in.
Cataracts
Blepharoplasty
Glaucoma
Extraocular Muscles
Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP)
Retinal Detachment
Ocular Histoplasmosis
If there is a condition not listed here that you would like
to be consulted about, contact us. |
