Retinal Detachment
Retinal Detachment
The retina is crucial to how the eye sees and vision is attained. If you have issues with the retina, including a retinal detachment, this requires immediate treatment to prevent permanent vision loss.
What is a Retinal Detachment?
A retinal detachment occurs when the retina is pulled away or lifted from its usual position in the eye. When this happens, the retina cannot function as it should. The retina is a layer of cells that line the inside of the eye and capture images. Your retina converts light into electrical signals that the brain can process.
There is more than one kind of retinal detachment. You can have a tractional detachment, rhegmatogenous detachment, or serous detachment.
A tractional retinal detachment happens when scar tissue on the retina’s surface causes it to pull away from other tissues. A rhegmatogenous retinal detachment is the most common of the three and occurs when a hole or tear develops in the retina.
If a hole develops, fluid from the rest of the eye can leak into the space between the retina and other tissues. A serous retinal detachment occurs when there’s fluid accumulation but without a tear or hole to cause it.
Signs of Having a Retinal Detachment
If you’re experiencing a retinal detachment, the signs and symptoms can vary depending on location and severity. However, common signs that accompany a retinal detachment include:
If you suspect you may have a retinal detachment, seek medical attention immediately. If a retinal detachment is not treated, it can cause permanent vision loss.
Treating a Retinal Detachment
If you have a retinal detachment, treating it will depend on its severity and what type you have. Many patients require surgical treatment for a retinal detachment, which may include one of the following procedures:
Scleral Buckle
A scleral buckle is a procedure that places a buckle or band around the eye. Doing this helps to push the retina back to its proper position and supports it from outside the eye.
Vitrectomy
A vitrectomy is a procedure that removes vitreous humor from the eye. The vitreous humor is a gel-like fluid in the eye.
The vitreous is replaced with a saline solution or a gas bubble. A vitrectomy can help improve vision or help prevent it from worsening due to a retinal detachment.
Laser Surgery
Laser surgery can help treat a retinal detachment by using a laser to create small burns around the tear or hole in the retina. These minor burns create scar tissue that helps to hold the retina in place.
Some patients may require multiple procedures to repair their retinal detachment in full. Your ophthalmologist at Retina Consultants of Orlando will recommend the best treatment plan to ensure your retinal detachment is repaired.
Learn more about retinal detachments and the best way to treat them by scheduling your appointment at Retina Consultants of Orlando in Altamonte Springs, FL, today!