How does retinal detachment occur?

The retina is a part of the eye at the back of the eye. Its function is to help us see images that are focused by the lens and cornea.

How does retinal detachment occur?

This pathology occurs when the retina separates from its supporting layers. The most frequent type consists in the perforation or tearing of the retina through which the eye fluids leak. This means that the retina is separated from the underlying tissues. The causes may be an infection known as posterior vitreous detachment, trauma or severe myopia. In addition, a family history of retinal detachment poses a very high risk of retinal detachment.

Another type is traction retinal detachment, which is suffered by people with uncontrolled diabetes with a history of refractive surgery or chronic inflammation. When this pathology occurs, the patient may not be able to see clearly or may see blurred, this is because the blood vessels may cause clouding inside the eye.

If the macula detaches, vision could be seriously affected, since this part is responsible for detailed vision.

Treatment for retinal detachment

Many patients who have suffered from retinal detachment resort to refractive surgery, which can be performed after the diagnosis has been made or within a short period of time afterwards. Other surgeries performed in the Ophthalmology Clinics are:

  • Lasers to seal tears or holes in the retina so that detachment does not occur.
  • In the case of a mild detachment, the doctor may place a gas bubble to help the retina float in place and seal the hole with a laser.
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Retinal repair is not always successful, as sometimes vision cannot be fully restored. In addition, some detachments are beyond repair.

Symptoms of retinal detachment

Symptoms of retinal detachment are:

  • Increased floating spots
  • Appearance of lights and flashes
  • Shadows on the sides of the field of vision
  • Moving gray curtain in the field of vision
  • Decreased field of vision

When to contact a specialist?

Retinal detachment is an urgent problem that must be treated immediately, within 24 hours of the first symptoms. One of the ways to prevent it is to wear glasses to protect us from possible trauma and to control blood glucose levels afterwards in the case of diabetes.