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conditions > Retinal detachment
Retinal detachment
What is Retinal detachment
?
A retinal detachment occurs when the retina’s sensory
and pigment layers separate. Retinal detachments occur usually
in the middle aged or elderly.
A retinal detachment is very serious and requires immediate
attention and surgery as it can cause a permanent loss
in vision if untreated.
Causes of Retinal detachment
The most common
cause of retinal detachments is when there is a tear in
the sensory layer of the retina, and fluid seeps underneath
resulting in the layers separating.
Detachments can also occur when there is traction on the
retina, often caused by scar tissue and common in
patients with diabetes.
Diagnosis of Retinal detachment
Symptoms of retinal detachments include
• Distorted or watery images
• Obstructed vision
• Floaters that resemble
spots
• Sudden decrease
of vision
A diagnosis involves a thorough examination of the retina
through an ophthalmoscopy.
Treatments for Retinal detachment
Treatment is aimed at closing retinal tears to reattach
the retina. Once the retina becomes detached, it must be
repaired surgically. Pneumatic retinopexy can be used to treat
uncomplicated detachments. Once the
retina
is reattached, the retinal tear can be sealed by laser
photocoagulation or cryotherapy.
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