Retinal Detachment

Overview

The retina is the light-sensitive layer of tissue that lines the inside of the eye and sends visual messages through the optic nerve to the brain. When the retina detaches, it is lifted or pulled from its normal position.

Warning Signs & Symptoms

Symptoms include a sudden or gradual increase in either the number of floaters, or specks, in the field of vision, and/or light flashes in the eye. Another symptom is the appearance of a curtain over the field of vision. A retinal detachment is a medical emergency. Anyone experiencing the symptoms of a retinal detachment should see an eye care professional immediately.

Treatments/Procedures

A variety of treatment options are available to treat retinal detachment, depending on how severe the problem is. Those options are scleral buckling, vitrectomy and pneumatic retinopexy.

Prevention

Retinal detachment often occurs on its own without an underlying cause. However, it may also be caused by trauma or diabetes. If a person’s job requires it, use protective eye wear to prevent eye trauma, and diabetics should control their blood sugar.

Rehabilitation

Though the procedures used to treat retinal detachment usually do not require an overnight hospital stay, patients will need to limit activities for a period of time. If the doctor repaired the retina using a gas bubble procedure (pneumatic retinopexy), patients must keep their head face down or turned to one side for several weeks. It is important to maintain this position so the gas bubble pushes the retina in place.