What Is Retinal Detachment?

Retinal detachment is a serious eye condition where the retina pulls away from the back of the eye. The retina is a thin layer of nerve tissue that lines the inside of the eye and sends visual signals to the brain. If it detaches, it can no longer work properly — leading to vision loss if not treated quickly.

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Why Is It Serious?

If not treated right away, retinal detachment can lead to:

• Permanent vision loss

• Partial or total blindness in the affected eye

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Symptoms of Retinal Detachment

See an eye doctor immediately if you notice:

• Sudden flashes of light (like lightning streaks)

• A sudden increase in floaters (tiny spots or strings that move in your vision)

• A dark shadow or curtain over part of your vision

• Blurry or distorted vision

• Reduced side (peripheral) vision

These symptoms are often painless but require urgent care.

 

Causes and Risk Factors

Retinal detachment can happen due to:

1. Tears or Holes in the Retina

• Often related to aging or lattice degeneration

2. Traction

• Scar tissue or pulling from inside the eye (common in people with diabetic eye disease)

3. Fluid Build-up

• Fluid leaks under the retina, pushing it away

 

Risk Factors:

• Nearsightedness (myopia)

• Previous eye surgery (like cataract surgery)

• Eye trauma

• Family history of retinal detachment

• Lattice degeneration

• Aging (more common after age 50)

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Diagnosis

An eye doctor will perform a dilated eye exam to look at your retina. Additional tests may include:

• OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography)

• Ultrasound imaging (if there's bleeding)

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Treatment Options

Retinal detachment usually needs surgery as soon as possible. Common procedures include:

1. Laser or Cryotherapy

• Seals small tears before they lead to detachment

2. Pneumatic Retinopexy

• A gas bubble is injected into the eye to push the retina back in place

3. Scleral Buckle

• A silicone band is placed around the eye to relieve pulling on the retina

4. Vitrectomy

• Removes the gel (vitreous) pulling on the retina and replaces it with a gas or oil bubble

Your doctor will recommend the best treatment based on your specific case.

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Recovery

• Vision may improve gradually after surgery

• Some vision loss may be permanent if detachment was severe or prolonged

• Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activity during healing

• Follow-up appointments are crucial

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Can It Be Prevented?

You can’t always prevent retinal detachment, but you can lower your risk by:

• Getting regular eye exams, especially if you're nearsighted or have a family history

• Seeing an eye doctor immediately if you have symptoms

• Protecting your eyes from injury

• Managing diabetes and other health conditions