StemCell Therapy

OverviewWhat is retinal detachment?

Retinal detachment, or a detached retina, is a serious eye condition that affects your vision and can lead to blindness if not treated. It happens to a layer of tissue called the retina that lines the back of the eye. It involves the retina pulling away from tissues supporting it. Symptoms include flashes of light, floaters or seeing a shadow in your vision. Floaters are dark spots and squiggles in your vision.

You may experience warning signs like these before the retina detaches, as in the case of retinal tears. Retinal detachment often happens spontaneously, or suddenly. The risk factors include age, nearsightedness, history of eye surgeries or trauma, and family history of retinal detachments.

Call your eye care provider or go to the emergency room right away if you think you have a detached retina.

The retina senses light and sends signals to the brain so we can see. When the retina detaches, it cant do its job. Your vision might become blurry. And you might lose vision permanently if the detachment isnt repaired. Getting prompt treatment can save your eyesight.

Your risk for retinal detachment increases as you age. Youre also at higher risk if you have or had:

Having certain eye conditions also raises your risk for retinal detachment:

If youre at high risk for retinal detachment, talk to your healthcare provider. Your provider can help you set an eye exam and suggest other steps to protect your eye health.

Retinal detachment is rare for people who have none of the risk factors listed here.

The three causes of retinal detachment are:

Some people dont notice any symptoms of retinal detachment, while others do. It depends on severity if a larger part of the retina detaches, youre more likely to experience symptoms.

Symptoms of retinal detachment can happen suddenly and include:

Retinal detachment is usually painless. But its a serious problem that can threaten your vision. Contact a healthcare provider if you notice any symptoms.

You need an eye exam to diagnose retinal detachment. Your eye care provider will use a dilated eye exam to check your retina. Theyll put eye drops in your eyes. The drops dilate, or widen, the pupil. After a few minutes, your provider can get a close look at the retina.

Your provider may recommend other tests after the dilated eye exam. These tests are noninvasive and wont hurt. They help your provider see your retina clearly and in more detail:

Your eye care provider will discuss treatment options with you. You may need a combination of treatments for the best results.

Treatments include:

Laser (thermal) therapy or cryopexy (freezing). Sometimes, your provider will diagnose a retinal tear before the retina starts pulling away. Your provider uses a medical laser or a freezing tool to seal the tear. These devices create a scar that holds the retina in place.

Pneumatic retinopexy. Your provider may recommend this approach if the detachment isnt as extensive. During pneumatic retinopexy:

After surgery, your provider will recommend that you keep your head still for a few days to promote healing. You also may be told not to lie on your back.

Scleral buckle. During this procedure:

Vitrectomy. During a vitrectomy, your provider:

If your provider uses an oil bubble, youll have it removed a few months later. Gas and air bubbles get reabsorbed.

If you have a gas bubble, you may have to avoid activities at certain altitudes. The altitude change can increase the size of the gas bubble and the pressure in your eye. You'll have to avoid flying and traveling to high altitudes. Your provider will tell you when you can start these activities again.

You cant prevent retinal detachment, but you can take steps to lower your risk:

People who have an average risk of eye disease should get eye exams once a year. If youre at higher risk for eye disease, you may need checkups more frequently. Talk to your provider to figure out your best exam schedule.

Your outlook depends on factors like how your vision was before the retinal detachment, how extensive your detachment was and if there are any other complicating factors. Your provider will talk to you about what type of vision improvement you can expect.

In general, surgery for retinal detachment is very successful the repair works about nine out of 10 times. Sometimes, people need more than one procedure to return the retina to its place.

Its possible to get a detached retina more than once. You may need a second surgery if this happens. Talk to your provider about preventive steps you can take to protect your vision. If you notice symptoms returning, call your provider right away.

After retinal detachment surgery, you may have some discomfort. It can last for a few weeks. Your provider will discuss pain medicine and other forms of relief. Youll also need to take it easy for a few weeks. Talk with your provider about when you can exercise, drive and get back to your regular activities.

Other things you can expect after surgery:

If you have retinal detachment (or face a higher risk), ask your provider:

A note from Cleveland Clinic

Retinal detachment is a painless but serious condition. If you notice detached retina symptoms, such as sudden eye floaters, flashes of light or darkening of your vision, get care right away. Call your eye care provider or go to the emergency room. Preventive care is always the best, so protect your eyes and vision health by having regular eye exams.

Go here to read the rest:

Retinal Detachment: Symptoms, Causes & Prevention - Cleveland Clinic

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