Retinal detachment refers to the separation of the retina, a light-sensitive membrane located behind the eye. In normal conditions retina, produces vision with the aid of the brain and other parts of the eye namely cornea and lens by sending signals through the optic nerve. The detachment of the retina leads to partial or total vision depending on the extent of the retinal detachment. Retinal detachment is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention because detachment of the retina from the eye deprives its cells of oxygen.
The cause of this medical condition can be ideally explained through its risk factors. The common risk factors include:
➢ Age is a major risk factor here, where the retina fluid breaks down causing strain on retinal fibers. Medically, this state is referred to as posterior vitreous detachment (PVD).
➢ Extreme levels of nearsightedness
➢ Hereditary reasons
➢ Trauma inflicted to the eye
➢ Conditions leading out of improper cataract surgery
➢ Extreme diabetes
Doctors say that every individual is at a risk of detachment of the retina, post the age of 40 years. Detachment of the retina can be of three major types, namely:
➢ Rhegmatogenous detachment where the retina is torn or has a hole in it causing the eye fluid to slip through, behind the retina. This fluid then cuts the oxygen and nourishment supply causing symptoms like blurring of vision.
➢ Tractional detachment is when the scar tissue, behind the retina contracts and causes the retina to be pulled away, in effect. Common to diabetic patients, it results due to the effect of diabetes on the retinal vascular system.
➢ Exudative detachment is caused due to diseases like the Coats disease and inflammatory disorder where abnormal blood vessels are observed to be developed behind the retina, leading to its detachment.
Though there is no pain associated with this ailment, it has distinct symptoms associated with it. Preliminary symptoms include:
➢ Vision blurring
➢ Partial loss of vision
➢ Light flashes whilst looking at the sides
➢ Dark areas in vision
➢ Seeing debris like floaters that emerge as black flecks or floating strings, before the eyes
Treatments include surgeries conducted to repair the detachment, the level of surgery depending on the extent of the detachment again. For smaller detachments, doctors prescribe Lasik surgery and Cryopexy, which use laser and intense freezing treatments to fix conditions, respectively. For the larger or major detachments, Scleral buckling and Vitrectomy is prescribed which qualify to be major surgeries. Lasik eye surgery has come up in a big way lately, for treating various eye conditions, of which retinal detachment is one.
Are you suffering from retinal displacement? What treatments did you avail? Were they of help? Share your thoughts and experiences with us.
Author Bio:
In these years since I have graduated, I Simi Ahuja, have been working with the institutions providing health-care & medical treatments and have gathered tons of information about the doctors, hospitals and related things in Delhi-NCR. In this article, I have shared information about the symptoms, causes and prevention of Retinal Detachment. To know about the doctors in Delhi who provide treatment for eyes, visit Credihealth.com.