Retinal detachment is an eye emergency that is severe and can impact vision. It occurs when the retina detaches from the tissue beneath it. When this tissue separates from the retina, the retina can no longer function properly. If left untreated, it can lead to permanent vision loss.
Causes of Retinal Detachment
Retinal detachment can be divided into three types:
Retinal Detachment with Holes or Tears: This is the most common type. It may occur due to vitreous degeneration, eye trauma, or thinning of the retina, which causes holes or tears in the retina.
Retinal Detachment due to Traction by Scar Tissue: This occurs in people with diabetic retinopathy or in those who have suffered severe trauma that causes eye rupture or injury. Inflammatory changes in the vitreous or retina can result in the formation of scar tissue.
Retinal Detachment Due to Fluid Leakage: This type is found in patients with choroiditis, extremely high blood pressure, or kidney failure, where fluid accumulates under the retinal layer.
Symptoms of Retinal Detachment
- Seeing flashes of light, similar to lightning, in one or both eyes, with the light being more noticeable in the dark.
- Seeing dark spots or shadows that float in the vision.
- A reduction in peripheral vision.
- A sensation of a curtain or veil blocking part or all of the vision.
Causes of Retinal Detachment
- Contraction and pulling of the vitreous gel inside the eye due to vitreous degeneration.
- Eye trauma.
- Inflammation in the eye.
- Abnormal blood vessel growth in diabetic retinopathy.
Risk Factors for Retinal Detachment
- High myopia (severe nearsightedness).
- A history of retinal detachment in one eye.
- A family history of retinal detachment.
- Retinal degeneration, especially lattice degeneration.
- Previous eye surgeries, such as cataract surgery or laser treatment for diabetic retinopathy.
- Previous severe eye trauma.
- A history of eye infections.
Treatment for Retinal Detachment
Laser Photocoagulation: This involves using a laser to apply heat around the tear area, which causes scarring and helps seal the retina to the back wall of the eye. This method is used for mild retinal detachment.
Gas Injection and Cryopexy: Gas is injected into the eye, and cold laser treatment (cryotherapy) is applied to the area of the tear to help the retina adhere to the back wall of the eye.
Scleral Buckling Surgery: A silicone band is placed around the eye to help push the wall of the eye toward the tear, thus closing it.
Vitrectomy Surgery: This procedure involves removing the vitreous gel and injecting gas or silicone oil into the eye to close the tear and reattach the retina securely.
