Retinal Detachment

Retinal Detachment

Retinal Detachment is when a break in the retina forms allowing fluid to accumulate under the retina pulling it away from the wall of the eye. 

What are the causes?

• Retinal tear caused from a trauma, posterior vitreous detachment, or an unknown cause.

• Proliferative Retinopathy (most commonly from diabetic retinopathy) can cause scar tissue overlying the retina which can contract and lift the retina.

Are there risk factors?​

• Trauma

• Previous intraocular surgery

• Previous retinal detachment

• Family history

• High myopia (near sightedness)

• Certain other retinal changes can predispose you to detachments

What are the symptoms of a retinal detachment?​

• Flashes and floaters

• Curtain-like vision loss 

• Vision appears as if "looking through vaseline"

Can I prevent a retinal detachment?​

• If you have any risk factors associated with retinal detachment, you should undergo frequent dilated exams, and report to your eye doctor immediately upon experiencing any of the symptoms listed above. 

What are the treatments?​

• In-office Treatment: a limited retinal detachment may be able to be treated with laser or cryotherapy (freezing therapy) with or without instillation of a gas bubble to aid the retina in laying back in its correct anatomic position. 

• Surgical Intervention: It is not uncommon for a retinal detachment to require a trip to the operating room for repair.

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