Retinal Detachment

The retina is a thin lining of the back of the eye. This lining lays smoothly against the inside surface of the back of the eye. A retinal detachment occurs when the retina pulls away from the back of the eye. This causes the retina to not function properly in this area. If left untreated, the retina can continue to pull away and eventually cause blindness. There are specific signs associated with a retinal detachment that you would notice- bright flashes of light, numerous floaters and a curtain/shade appearance over a portion of your vision. Retinal detachment are a serious problem and require prompt treatment to prevent vision loss.

A retinal detachment can occur from several causes. A small hole or tear in the retinal layers can allow fluid to get between the retina and the back of the eye or traction from certain eye diseases or trauma can also cause retinal detachments. There is no pain associated with a retinal detachment.

Treatment for retinal detachments usually involve surgery. First, if there are any holes or tears, they have to be located and sealed off- either with laser or by freezing. The goal of surgery is to get the retina back in contact with the back of the eye. This can be done by trying to push the retina back with certain gases injected into the eye or by pulling the eye forward to where the retina is now located. A lot goes into making the decision on how to fix a retinal detachment and is up to the surgeons findings. Depending on how severe the retinal detachment is determines how well you will see after surgery.