Retinal Detachment

Retinal Detachment
Symptoms
Conventional Treatment
Self-Treatment

Retinal Detachment

 Normally, the retina is securely anchored to the choroid layer at the back of the eye.  Retinal detachment happens when a blunt or penetrating injury, or other condition allows a hole or tear to develop in the retina.  Through the opening fluid collects between the retina and the choroid layer of the eye, causing them to separate.

If you are nearsighted, or have protruding eyes, you are more likely to have retinal detachment, because in these conditions, the retina is more tightly stretched over the back of the eye.  Also, if you have had recent cataract surgery, you have a higher risk of retinal detachment.

• Flashes in the vision field that resemble sparks
• Many floaters in the field of vision
• A shadow that seems to spread from the edge of the field of vision to the center
• Objects may appear shimmering
• There will be no pain from the retina because it does not contain pain receptors, but you may feel pain from the other parts of the eye if the detached retina is caused by injury

• If retinal detachment is caught in time, an ophthalmologist can reattach the retina to the choroid layer.
• If only a small hole has developed in the retina, it can be sealed using a laser.
• Sometimes, if the retina is peeling away from the back of the eye, a freezing probe is used to bond the retina back in place.  Or, the a strap called a buckle is secured around the eyeball to press the retina back to the chorid.

In extremely serious cases, a small air bubble is injected into the vitreous part of the eye , and the patient is put on a tilted surface.  Since air bubbles always rise, the bubble pushes the retina back into place.

Self-Treatment




• Lie down and be very still
• Close your eyes
• Have someone take you to an emergency room or eye doctor quickly

 

 
 
 
 
 

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