Retinal Detachment: Symptoms & Treatment
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Retinal Detachment: Symptoms & Treatment

Retinal Detachment

Retinal Detachment

Retinal detachment is an emergency condition of the eye that is usually painless. It occurs when the retina separates from the supporting tissues. In retinal detachment, the retina cannot function properly and may cause permanent loss of vision if not treated promptly. It is caused by retinal tears, age-related vitreous changes, eye injury, or certain eye diseases. Manipal Hospitals provides comprehensive and customised treatment for retinal detachment.

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Symptoms of Retinal Detachment

Retinal detachment symptoms usually begin suddenly. Some patients may experience flashes of light, a sudden onset of floaters, blurred vision, or a shadow or curtain appearing in field of vision. These symptoms require prompt medical evaluation.

How We Diagnose Retinal Detachment

Retinal detachment diagnosis requires a thorough eye examination by an ophthalmologist. A dilated fundus examination may be performed to check the retina for tears or detachment. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) or ocular ultrasound may be used to visualise the retina clearly. These diagnostic tests help to determine the location, type, and extent of retinal detachment.

Treatment Options

Retinal detachment treatment varies depending on the severity and type of detachment. Surgical procedures such as laser therapy, cryopexy, pneumatic retinopexy, scleral buckle surgery, or vitrectomy may be recommended. These procedures help reattach the retina and seal retinal tears.

What to Expect

Patients undergoing retinal detachment treatment at Manipal Hospitals receive specialised care with rapid assessment by an experienced ophthalmologist. Retinal detachment is a sight-threatening emergency, and treatment is usually recommended soon after diagnosis.

The treatment choice is determined by the nature of the retinal detachment, its extent, and whether any retinal tears are present. In some cases, small retinal tears may be treated with laser photocoagulation or cryotherapy. It seals the tear and prevents fluid from collecting under the retina. If the retina has become detached, surgical intervention is necessary.

Surgery to repair retinal detachment may involve pneumatic retinopexy, scleral buckle surgery or vitrectomy. All these procedures aim to seal retinal tears and reattach the retina to its normal position.

After treatment, patients are followed regularly to ensure the retina remains attached and healing occurs as expected. The improvement in vision depends on how rapidly treatment was carried out and whether the macula was detached prior to surgery. Some patients notice gradual improvement in their vision over time. Vision recovery also depends on how long the retina was detached and the severity of the detachment. Early treatment may result in improved vision.

Consult our Experts

FAQs

  • What leads to retinal detachment?

    Retinal detachment causes include retinal tears that allow fluid to collect under the retina, separating it from underlying tissue. Age-related vitreous changes, severe nearsightedness, eye injuries, previous eye surgery, and certain eye diseases can increase the risk.

  • Is retinal detachment considered a medical emergency?

    Yes, retinal detachment is considered an emergency eye condition. Prompt evaluation and treatment are necessary to prevent permanent loss of vision. Early treatment can significantly improve the chances of preserving vision and successfully reattaching the retina.

  • Can vision return after retinal detachment surgery?

    Vision improvement or return after retinal detachment surgery depends on how early the treatment is performed. It also depends on whether the macula, the part of the retina responsible for sharp vision, was affected before the retina was repaired.

  • Who is at higher risk of developing retinal detachment?

    Individuals with severe nearsightedness have a higher risk of retinal detachment. Those with a history of retinal tears, eye trauma, or previous eye surgery, such as cataract surgery, may also be susceptible. A family history of retinal detachment can further increase risk.

  • Can retinal detachment affect both eyes?

    Retinal detachment usually occurs in one eye. Individuals who experience it in one eye may have an increased risk of developing it in the other eye. Routine eye examinations help to detect early retinal changes and prevent complications.

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