Retinal Detachment >>

• What is Retinal Detachment
• Symptoms of Retinal Detachment
• Causes of Retinal Detachment
• Factors That Increase the Risk of Retinal Detachment
• Treatment for Retinal Detachment
• Important Notes After Retinal Detachment Surgery
• Recommendations Before Retinal Detachment Surgery
• Recommendations After Retinal Detachment Surgery
• Frequently Asked Questions About Retinal Detachment

What is Retinal Detachment

Retinal detachment is the separation and detachment of the inner layers of the eye (the retina) from the choroid, which causes the retinal cells to detach from the layer of blood vessels that supply them with oxygen and nutrients. The longer the retinal detachment lasts without proper treatment, the higher the risk of permanent vision loss in the affected eye.

Symptoms of Retinal Detachment

Retinal detachment is painless, but there are warning signs that appear before it occurs or progresses, such as:

• Flashing lights in one or both eyes
• Blurred vision
• Gradual loss of peripheral (side) vision
• A shadow or curtain covering the field of vision

Causes of Retinal Detachment

Retinal detachment varies depending on its type and can be classified into three different types:

Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment: This occurs due to holes or tears in the retina, which allow fluid to pass through and accumulate beneath the retina, causing it to detach from the underlying tissues. The most common cause of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment is aging.

Tractional Retinal Detachment: This type of detachment occurs when fibrous tissue forms on the surface of the retina, pulling parts of the retina and causing it to detach from the back surface of the eye. Tractional retinal detachment typically occurs in people with uncontrolled diabetes or other medical conditions.

Exudative Retinal Detachment: In this type, fluid accumulates behind the retina, but there are no holes or tears in the retina. Exudative retinal detachment can occur due to aging, eye injury, infections, or tumors.

Factors That Increase the Risk of Retinal Detachment

• Aging: Retinal detachment is more common in individuals over the age of 50.
  Previous retinal detachment in one eye.
  Family history of retinal detachment.
  Severe myopia (nearsightedness).
  Previous eye surgery, such as cataract removal.
  Previous eye injury.
  Other eye diseases or disorders, including retinal tears, uveitis, or thinning of the retina’s outer edges.

Treatment for Retinal Detachment

There are several treatment methods for retinal detachment:

Retinal Fixation with Gas: Gas is injected into the vitreous body inside the eye to reposition the retina. The tear is then sealed using laser or freezing techniques.

Scleral Buckling: A band is placed around the outside of the eye to counteract the forces pulling the retina out of place. The tear is sealed with laser or freezing methods.

Vitrectomy: The vitreous body is removed and usually replaced with a gas bubble to reposition the retina. The tear is then securely sealed with laser treatment

Important Notes After Retinal Detachment Surgery

After retinal detachment surgery, about 90% of cases successfully reposition the retina.

Recovery of vision after the surgery may take several months, and in some cases, vision may not fully improve. It’s important to note that the more severe the detachment, the lower the chances of full vision recovery.

The doctor cannot control the extent of vision recovery, as it depends on the severity and duration of the detachment, as well as the patient’s adherence to post-surgery instructions.

Recommendations Before Retinal Detachment Surgery

• Share with your doctor any symptoms you are experiencing, including those that may not seem relevant.
• Inform your doctor about all the medications, vitamins, and dietary supplements you are taking, including the doses.
• Ask a family member or a friend to accompany you.

Recommendations After Retinal Detachment Surgery

• Take a rest when needed.
• Avoid activities or tasks that require head movement, including:
  • Moving quickly
  • Lifting heavy objects
  • Engaging in activities like cleaning
• Take time off work, which can range from two weeks to four weeks, depending on the type of work.
• You can shower and wash your hair and face, but try to avoid getting soap in your eyes. It is recommended to wear swimming goggles while showering.
• Wear sunglasses during the day.
• Keep your head in a certain position for most of the day and night for one week. If the doctor used a gas bubble to stabilize the retina, the patient will receive instructions regarding this from the specialist.
• Avoid lying on your back, as the gas bubble will move to the front of the eye and press on the lens instead of the retina.
• Avoid air travel, as flying is dangerous for those who have had gas injected into their eyes, since changes in altitude can cause the gas bubble to expand and increase pressure within the eye.

Frequently Asked Questions About Retinal Detachment

What is retinal detachment?

Retinal detachment is a medical condition that occurs when the retina in the eye separates from the other inner layers of the eye.

What are the causes of retinal detachment?

Retinal detachment can be caused by a tear in the retina or the presence of fluid underneath the retina.

What are the main symptoms of retinal detachment?

Symptoms include sudden vision loss, flashes of light, dark shadows, and distorted vision.

What factors increase the risk of retinal detachment?

Aging, a family history of retinal detachment, and previous eye surgeries can increase the risk of retinal detachment.

How is retinal detachment diagnosed?

Retinal detachment is diagnosed through an eye examination by an ophthalmologist, which may include the use of special imaging tools.

Is there a way to prevent retinal detachment?

There may not be a specific way to prevent it, but good eye care and regular eye exams can help detect any problems early.

What are the treatment options for retinal detachment?

The treatment for retinal detachment usually involves surgery to reposition the retina to its correct place.

Can one fully recover from retinal detachment?

Complete recovery may be possible if diagnosed and treated quickly, but the outlook depends on several factors, including the size, location, and duration of the detachment.

Can retinal detachment happen again?

Yes, retinal detachment can happen again, especially in eyes that have had previous surgery.

Can retinal detachment surgery be avoided?

In many cases, surgery is the main option for treating retinal detachment and preventing vision loss.

Can I exercise after retinal detachment surgery?

After retinal detachment surgery, excessive movement should be avoided as it could damage the eye or cause the detachment to recur. Therefore, it is important to reduce physical activity and avoid exercise and strain for up to two weeks post-surgery.

What is the sleeping position after retinal detachment surgery?

After retinal detachment surgery, it is recommended to sleep on your back to avoid direct pressure on the affected eye. It’s also important to avoid sleeping on the side where the surgery was performed. Supportive pillows for the head and neck can help maintain the appropriate sleeping position and promote healing.

When will vision improve after retinal detachment surgery?

Initial improvement may be noticeable within days to weeks after surgery, though this varies depending on the size of the detachment and its effect on final vision. Some individuals may need more time to fully regain their vision.

How long does retinal detachment surgery take?

Retinal detachment surgery typically takes between 30 minutes to an hour, but the duration can vary depending on the size and type of detachment and the complexity of the case.

What is the success rate of retinal detachment surgery?

Retinal detachment surgery has a success rate ranging from 85% to 95%.