Retinal detachment is when the retina (the back of the eye) separates from the back wall of the eye.
Symptoms of Retinal Detachment
There is typically no pain or discomfort with a retinal detachment. However, if you experience any of these symptoms, contact an ophthalmologist immediately:
- Loss of peripheral (side) vision
- Feeling of a curtain coming down over vision
- Floaters /specks
- Flashes of light
- Loss of central vision
Causes of Retinal Detachment
Retinal detachments often occur when the vitreous gel inside the eye begins to shrink and contract which pulls on the retina and creates a tear in the retina. Natural fluid in the eye can leak through the tear and collect under the retina causing it to become detached.
Retinal detachment can be caused by:
- Aging
- Severe myopia (nearsightedness)
- Eye injury
- Eye disease
- Cataract surgery
- Family history of retinal detachment
Treatment for Retinal Detachment
Surgery is usually required to repair retinal detachment. There are several different treatment methods; the right one for you will depend on the severity of your condition.
- Vitretomy: Draining the vitreous gel in the eye and replacing it with fluid to reattach the retina
- Pneumatic retinopexy: Injecting an air/gas bubble into the vitreous to seal the tear and reattach the retina
- Scleral buckling: Indenting the white of the eye to relieve the pressure caused by vitreous tugging
Retinal holes and tears can often be repaired with laser treatment.
If you think you might have a retinal detachment in Phoenix, contact Associated Retina Consultants today to schedule a retinal exam. Our doctors will look at your unique set of eyes to determine the underlying cause of your vision problems and recommend the best treatment options.