What is retinal detachment?
Retinal detachment is separation of the retina from the layer of blood vessels (the choroid) underneath it. The retina is the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye.
Retinal detachment can cause blindness. It should be treated as soon as possible. If the retina is reattached soon enough, you will be able to see again. If not, your loss of vision can be permanent.
How does it occur?
Retinal detachment may occur because of:
- thinning of the retina with age
- a hole or tear in the retina
- an injury to the eye
diseases in the eye such as:
- tumors
- severe swelling of the retina
- diabetes
Retinal detachment is more common in people who:
- are middle-aged or older
- are very nearsighted
- have had cataract surgery
- have a family history of retinal detachment.
What are the symptoms?
The main symptom is painless loss of vision in your eye. Your healthy eye may take over for the other eye, so you may not notice the problem at first. Symptoms of a detached retina include:
- suddenly seeing many flashes of light
- suddenly seeing many floaters, which are black spots or cobweb-like shapes
- loss of peripheral (side) vision
- blurred or distorted vision, which occurs as the detachment gets worse
If you have these symptoms, call Drs. Bellotte and Habash at West Boca Eye Center right away.
How is it diagnosed?
Drs. Bellotte and Habash will perform a complete eye exam, with dilation, to make sure they find any retinal tears or detachments present. They will likely want to examine your other eye as well, to protect you from the development of any future retinal problems. How is it treated?Drs. Bellotte and Habash may find a retinal hole or tear, which is an opening in the retina that can develop into a full detachment. If this is found, then a laser treatment may seal the hole or tear, to prevent it from extending into a full-blown detachment. This treatment, called Argon laser photocoagulation, works by spot-welding the retina down into place so it cannot peel off any further and cause blindness. Fortunately, here at West Boca Eye Center Drs. Bellotte and Habash have an on-site, top-of-the-line Argon laser which may help to stop your detachment immediately.If they find a larger detachment, then surgery may need to be performed. There are several different surgeries that may help, depending on the extent and location of the retinal detachment. These may include a vitrectomy with gas or oil placement, or a scleral buckle procedure.
How long will the effects last?
Argon laser treatment or surgery to repair a retinal hole, tear, or detachment is successful in most cases. However, because the retina is very delicate and complex, there is almost always some degree of permanent damage. If a detached retina is not treated promptly, you may lose your vision permanently.
If you have had retinal detachment in one eye, your risk of retinal detachment in the other eye is greater. See Dr. Bellotte and Dr. Habash regularly so that any minor problems in your other eye can be corrected before they become serious.
What can I do to help prevent this from occurring?
If you are very nearsighted or have a family history of retinal detachments, see Drs. Bellotte and Habash regularly. While you cannot prevent some changes in your eyes, you can help prevent them from seriously damaging your vision. Treating retinal holes and tears promptly helps prevent retinal detachment.