A retinal detachment is a very severe eye condition that requires immediate treatment to achieve the best possible outcome. When symptoms of a retinal detachment arise, it is important to seek care quickly so that a diagnosis can be made and the necessary treatment can begin. Most of the time, the treatment for a retinal detachment involves a surgical procedure to reattach the retina and correct any broken or torn areas. With this surgery, vision can be preserved or restored, however, it must be done before the detachment has affected the center of the vision.
What is a Retinal Detachment?
A retinal detachment (RD) occurs when the retina, the layer of nerve cells that capture light and create vision, pulls away or separates from the underlying tissue that provides nutrients and nourishment.
When this occurs, the connection from the retina to the brain is interrupted and vision is lost in an area of the visual field.
Typically, superior or inferior portions of the visual field are impacted by a retinal detachment.
Symptoms of a Retinal Detachment
A retinal detachment often begins with a break or tear in the retina. When a break or tear occurs, there may be a bright flash of light in the eye that appears like a lightning strike or firework.
Additionally, many new floaters may be released when the retina breaks. These will be numerous and sudden compared to a single, long-standing floater which is not a concern.
As a retinal detachment begins, peripheral vision loss may occur and lead to a veil, curtain, or sheet-like appearance covering a portion of the world.
Diagnosing a RD
To diagnose a retinal detachment, an eye doctor will examine the eyes and determine if the retina is elevated or ballooned outward.
Additional tests like an OCT scan, ultrasound, or retinal photograph may be used to document the extent and type of retinal detachment.
Often, a tentative diagnosis is made purely on the presentation and complaints that are consistent with a retinal detachment before any examination is done.
How is a Detachment Treated?
The standard treatment for a retinal detachment is a surgical repair with a vitrectomy.
This surgery involves removing the gel substance from the eye and replacing it with oil that helps to force the retina down flat and allows it to be repaired and attached.
The recovery may take days to weeks depending on the type of surgery that is needed.
How Quickly Treatment is Needed?
Any retinal detachment is an urgent concern to preserve any vision that is remaining and to attempt to repair what was already lost.
However, the biggest factor in whether or not emergent surgery is needed is if the central portion of the retina is attached or not.
The macula is responsible for the best vision and represents the center, most well-focused area of vision.
If the macula is not detached, surgery is needed the same day or the next day to prevent the detachment from encroaching on the macula and permanently reducing vision in the eye.
If the macula is already detached, then surgery is able to be scheduled within the next days to a week as the best possible vision after surgery is already limited.
Dr. Nathan Abraham and the staff of the Abraham Eye Center specialize in cataract surgery, LASIK, PRK, and various corneal surgeries. Call our ophthalmologist in Valencia, CA today at 661-977-7377 or schedule an appointment online if you are interested in learning more about a retinal detachment. Our eye doctor provides only the highest quality eye care and surgical services amongst eye doctors in the Valencia California area.
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