The retina is thin layer of nerve cells which line the inside of the eyeball. When light passes through the eye, it is projected onto the retina. Once the retina has received the image, it is sent to the brain via the optic nerve allowing us to see the world. Like the film of a camera, the structure is responsible for sensing light and producing pictures.
What is Retinal Detachment?
Retinal detachment describes an emergency situation in which the light-sensing neurosensory retina tears from the pigment epithelium before their separation, leading to blindness in severe cases. Deprived of blood and nutrients for a long time, the detached retina loses its normal function, which may lead to permanent vision loss if left untreated.
Causes of Retinal Detachment
Degeneration and retinal tear or break
Family inheritance
People with high myopia
(over -6.00D)
Previous eye or head injury
Severe diabetes
Inflammation of the ocular fundus
Symptoms of Retinal Detachment
Flashes of light
Distorted and blocked visual image
Sudden decline in visual acuity
Lots of new "floaters"
Treatments
Retinal detachment is a serious ophthalmic emergency. Owing to the slim chance of natural healing after such condition, it is important that the patient receives proper treatment as otherwise there is a risk of permanent visual impairment.
Pars Plana Vitrectomy (PPV)
Currently, PPV is the main way to treat rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. The vitreous humour is removed by a surgical instrument and a filler (saline, gas, etc.) is injected to fix the detached retina in its original position. This procedure is suitable for patients with large retinal tears.
Pneumatic retinopexy
In some cases, patients may opt for intraocular filling of air after retinal detachment. A gas bubble is injected into the vitreous space inside the eye and the pressure created pushes the detached retina back to the normal position while the tear is closed with cryosurgery or laser therapy.
Pneumatic retinopexy
A gel sponge or silicone band is placed on the white of the eye to squeeze the eyeball and push back the detached retina to close the tear.
Caution
Retinal detachment is a very severe eye disease. If left untreated, patients are likely to lose their vision. Patients should seek medical attention as soon as possible if they notice any symptoms.