RETINAL DETACHMENT
Retinal detachment is a serious condition that happens when the retina separates from the underlying tissues that surround it.
- Retinal detachment pulls the retinal cell away from the layer of blood vessels that supply oxygen and nourishment.
- When this happens, the retina can’t work properly and can cause partial or total loss of vision.
- If treatment is delayed or the condition is left untreated, there’s a risk of permanent vision loss.
- Males are more affected than females and it is most common in people who are 40 and above. However, it can occur at any age.
- Retinal detachment is classified into 3 main types: Rhegmatogenous, traction and exudative retinal detachment.
- Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment is the most common type and happens slowly over time. This type occurs when there is a tear, hole or break in the retina. The tear, hole or break allows fluid to seep into the subretinal space from the vitreous space.
- The vitreous is a gel-like material that fills two-thirds of the inside of the eyes and occupies the space in front of the retina.
- Traction retinal detachment occurs when the fibrovascular tissue pulls the retina from the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). This type of detachment is less common.
- Exudative retinal detachment occurs due to retinal diseases, including injury/trauma to the eye. Inflammatory and kidney diseases that result in the accumulation of fluid under the retina in the absence of a hole, tear or break. It can affect both eyes
CAUSES
Retinal detachment can occur as a result of:
- Trauma or injury to the eye
- Advanced diabetes
- Chronic Inflammation of the eye
- Cancer behind the retina
- A sagging vitreous
Some factors that predispose an individual to a greater risk of retinal detachment include:
- A family history of retinal detachment
- Previous cataract surgery
- Extreme myopia (nearsightedness)
- Prior history of retinal detachment in one eye
- Smoking
SYMPTOMS
Before the condition occurs or advances, warning signs always occur. Warning signs such as:
- Blurred vision
- Veil or curtain-like shadow over your field of vision
- Flashes of light in one or both eyes
- A sudden increase in the number of floaters in your field of vision
A retinal detachment is a medical emergency, anybody experiencing the symptoms should seek medical attention immediately.
DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT
A retinal detachment often affects only one eye at a time. It is important that during diagnosis the second eyes be checked thoroughly for any signs of retinal tears or holes that may lead to detachment in the future.
Your doctor may diagnose your retinal detachment by carrying out a retinal examination. This allows your doctor to see any holes, tears or detachment.
Your doctor may as well order an ultrasound of the eye. This test is painless and uses sound waves to create an image of your eye. Your doctor may use this test if bleeding in the eye is making it difficult to see your retina.
TREATMENT
Early diagnosis and repair are key since visual impairment is reduced when the retina is repaired before the central area is detached.
Surgery is mostly used to repair the tear, hole or detachment in the retina.
If the hole or tear hasn’t progressed to a detachment, your doctor may suggest a laser surgery (photocoagulation) or freezing (cryopexy) to prevent detachment and prevent vision loss.
In a situation where the retina has detached, surgery within a few days of diagnosis may be suggested. Surgery will depend on how severe your detachment is. Surgery may include:
- Pneumatic retinopexy, injecting air or gas into your eye
- Vitrectomy, draining and replacing the fluids in the eye
- Scleral, indenting the surface of the eye.