Retinal Detachment
Retinal detachment is a serious eye condition in which the retina becomes separated from its underlying supportive tissue. The retina is the thin layer of tissue that lines the back of the eye and is responsible for sensing light and transmitting visual information to the brain.
Retinal detachment can occur due to a number of factors, including trauma to the eye, advanced age, nearsightedness, previous eye surgery, or underlying eye diseases such as diabetic retinopathy. When the retina detaches, it can cause vision loss or complete blindness if not treated promptly.
Symptoms of retinal detachment may include sudden or gradual onset of floaters or flashes of light, a curtain-like shadow in the field of vision, and decreased or distorted vision. These symptoms can be painless or accompanied by mild discomfort.
Retinal Detachment Diagnosis
Diagnosis of a detached retina is performed during a close examination of your eyes. Your ophthalmologist will put drops in your eye to dilate (widen) your pupil, allowing them to examine the inside of your eye and take pictures with optical coherence tomography (OCT). This advanced machine scans the retina and macula for detailed images that can be studied for any potential problems.
Treatment for Retinal Detachment
Treatment for retinal detachment typically involves surgical intervention to reattach the retina to its supportive tissue. There are several types of surgical procedures that can be used to treat retinal detachment, including pneumatic retinopexy, scleral buckle, and vitrectomy. The choice of procedure depends on the severity and location of the detachment.
It is important to seek prompt medical attention if you experience any symptoms of retinal detachment – as early treatment can help prevent permanent vision loss. Regular eye exams can also help detect risk factors for retinal detachment and allow for early intervention to prevent this serious condition.
South Carolina Retina Institute is well recognized for its expertise in overall patient retina care. Our skilled retina specialists and vitreoretinal surgeons are experienced in the treatment of visual conditions, eye diseases, and surgery of the vitreous and retina. Our knowledgeable SCRI staff is dedicated to keeping up with the latest medical breakthroughs and providing you with strategies that can increase your ability to manage or overcome conditions affecting your vision.