Retinal Detachment

If the vitreous is strongly attached to the retina or if the retina is weak in a certain area, a retinal tear can occur as the vitreous separates from it. Once a retinal tear develops, there is a large chance that the vitreous will go through the tear, causing the retina to detach. This is known as retinal detachment where partial or total loss of vision may occur. 

The symptoms of retinal detachment include:

• Sudden increase of floaters
• Flashes of light
• Reduction of vision
• A shadow or curtain in the peripheral vision

Typically the shadow will move toward the center area of vision over hours, days or weeks. When the retina detaches, it becomes separated from the underlying tissue, which provides itnourishment and support. The retinal cells begin to degenerate when they do not have the proper nourishment and support. If the retinal detachment progresses into the center area of vision (the macula), vision begins to decrease. The longer the center of vision has been detached, the worse the cell degeneration and vision become. Therefore, it is best if a retinal detachment can be diagnosed and repaired before the center area of vision becomes detached. Even if the macula has detached, it is usually still important to repair the detachment to prevent total blindness and restore some lost vision. Therefore, in order to give yourself the best chance of diagnosis and treatment of a retinal detachment before it affects the macula, you should get your eyes checked by an ophthalmologist as soon as possible. 

When seen at the correct time, laser treatment can be applied to seal the retina break/hole/tear and help prevent a retinal detachment. When detachment occurs, a procedure called vitrectomy may be performed to repair it. Because of this, it is highly recommended that retinal screening be done at regular intervals: 3, 6 or 12 months depending on the findings seen during screening. Findings may be acceptable now but can change in time. 

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