Retinal Detachment

Retinal detachment is a common eye condition that can lead to blindness if not treated promptly, potentially causing permanent vision damage. The retina is a thin membrane at the innermost layer of the eyeball, consisting of ten layers of cells. Layers one through nine form the photosensitive layer, while the tenth layer is the retinal pigment epithelium. The cornea is a thin membrane at the front of the eye, there is a potential gap between these two layers. When the photosensitive layer detaches from the back of the eye for any reason, the detached part lacks blood and nutrient supply, causing the nerve cells on the retina to gradually die. If not treated in time, it may lead to permanent blindness. Therefore, retinal detachment is an acute eye condition. If suspected, consult an ophthalmologist immediately.

Symptoms of Retinal Detachment

In the early stages, retinal detachment may not show any symptoms or may present with the following signs. If you notice any of the following symptoms, you should immediately seek a comprehensive examination from an ophthalmologist:

Abnormal floaters than usual

Flashes of light

Sudden blurring of vision

Loss of peripheral vision

Symptoms of Retinal Detachment

In the early stages, retinal detachment may not exhibit any symptoms or may present the following:

Abnormal floaters than usual

Flashes of light

Sudden blurring of vision

Loss of peripheral vision

Risk Factors for Retinal Detachment

Family history

Retinal degeneration, retinal breaks

Severe myopia (more than 6 diopters)

Eye injury

Diabetic retinopathy

Intraocular inflammation

Causes of Retinal Detachment

Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment: A tear in the retina allows liquefied vitreous to enter the space between the retinal nerve layer and the back of the eye, causing retinal detachment.

Tractional Retinal Detachment: Scar tissue or other tissue pulls the retina away from the back of the eye.

Exudative Retinal Detachment: Fluid leaks under the retina without tears, causing detachment.

Causes of Retinal Detachment

Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment: A tear in the retina allows liquefied vitreous to enter the space between the retinal nerve layer and the back of the eye, causing retinal detachment.

Tractional Retinal Detachment: Scar tissue or other tissue pulls the retina away from the back of the eye.

Exudative Retinal Detachment: Fluid leaks under the retina without tears, causing detachment.

Treatments for Retinal Detachment

The cause and extent of retinal detachment determine the treatment method. If only retinal tears are found, laser treatment may repair them. However, if detachment occurs, surgery is needed. Common surgeries include:

Scleral Buckling

Involves placing a silicone band or sponge on the outside of the eye to press it inward, closing the break and reattaching the retina.

Suitable for localized retinal detachment
Suitable when there is no vitreous traction
Suitable for relatively intact eye structure
It can be combined with other intraocular surgeries

Pars Plana Vitrectomy (PPV)

Direct removal of the vitreous, followed by the injection of gas, saline, or silicone oil to reattach the retina. This is primarily for severe retinal detachment and is performed under local or general anaesthesia using a microscope and special instruments.

Removes vitreous traction
Directly addresses retinal issues
Suitable for complex cases
It can be combined with other intraocular surgeries

Pneumatic Retinopexy

Typically used for simpler, localized detachments. An expandable gas is injected into the vitreous, which presses and flattens the detached retina. After reattachment, laser or cryotherapy is used to seal the retinal breaks.

Minimally invasive
Short surgery time
Less postoperative discomfort
Faster vision recovery

Treatments for Retinal Detachment

The cause and extent of retinal detachment determine the appropriate treatment method. If only retinal tears are detected, laser treatment may be used to repair them. However, if the retina has already detached, surgery is required. Common surgical procedures include:

Scleral Buckling

This procedure involves placing a silicone band, sponge, or silicone strip on the outside of the eye to press the eyeball inward, closing the retinal tear and allowing the retina to reattach.

Suitable for localized retinal detachment
Suitable when there is no vitreous traction
Suitable for relatively intact eye structure
It can be combined with other intraocular surgeries

Pars Plana Vitrectomy (PPV)

This procedure involves the direct removal of the vitreous, followed by the injection of gas, saline, or silicone oil to replace it, allowing the retina to reattach. It is primarily used for treating severe retinal detachment. The surgery is usually performed under local or general anesthesia, using a microscope and specialized instruments.

Removes vitreous traction
Directly addresses retinal issues
Suitable for complex cases
It can be combined with other intraocular surgeries

Pneumatic Retinopexy

Minimally invasive
Short surgery time
Less postoperative discomfort
Faster vision recovery

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Established since its inception, Clarity Eye Centre has been dedicated to providing comprehensive ophthalmic medical services. With a professional medical team comprising over 100 ophthalmologists, optometrists, nurses, and frontline medical staff, the clinic continuously enhances its expertise and knowledge in various ophthalmic fields to offer outstanding and reliable ophthalmic medical services to the public.

FAQ

Can a Retinal Detachment Be Fully Cured?

Complete recovery from retinal detachment is possible, but not all cases result in full recovery. The degree of recovery depends on factors such as the location and severity of the detachment, the treatment method used, and the individual's overall health condition.
Can Retinal Detachment Lead to Blindness?

When retinal detachment occurs, the detached part of the retina is deprived of nutrients, causing nerve cells to die, which leads to vision loss. If not treated promptly or effectively, it can result in permanent blindness, making retinal detachment a medical emergency in ophthalmology.
Can Retinal Detachment Recur?

Retinal detachment can recur in some cases, but not all patients experience recurrence. Factors such as genetics, high myopia, and multiple detachment sites increase the risk of recurrence.
Will Retinal Detachment Treatment Affect Life?

Treatment for retinal detachment may impact life, especially during the recovery period after surgery. However, most patients can return to normal life post-treatment, though regular eye check-ups are necessary to monitor the condition.