Retinal detachment

What is retinal detachment:

Retinal detachment is one of the dangers of retinal diseases, which may result in weakness or permanent loss of vision. It occurs when the retina separates from its supporting tissue, resulting in it losing the necessary blood supply.

Types of retinal detachment:

• Spontaneous retinal detachment:It is the most common, and spontaneous retinal detachment occurs as a result of a hole or tear in the retina that allows fluid to pass through it and collect under the retina, leading to its separation from its supporting tissue.
• Tractional retinal detachment:This type of detachment occurs when there are fibroids on the surface of the retina, which causes retinal detachment and often occurs in the advanced stages of diabetic retinopathy patients.
• Exudative retinal detachment:In this type of retinal detachment, fluid accumulates behind the retina, while there are no holes or tears in the retina, and it occurs due to tumors or infections of the retina.

Who are the people most at risk of retinal detachment:

-Aging: As we age, holes or tears may occur in the retina, resulting in spontaneous retinal detachment.

– Severe myopia patients: Severe myopia patients suffer from retinal weakness, which may result in retinal detachment.

-Eye injuries.

-After eye surgeries.

Symptoms of retinal detachment:

Retinal detachment itself is painless. But there are warning signs that always appear before it occurs or worsens, including:

• The sudden appearance of floaters, which are tiny objects that appear to be floating in the field of vision.
• Flashes of light or flashes of light in one or both eyes.
• Gradually decreased side (peripheral) vision
• The appearance of a curtain-like shadow in the field of vision that blocks vision

Retinal detachment treatment:

There are several ways to treat retinal detachment, including:

-Using argon laser:

In some initial cases, we may resort to using an argon laser in the event of a cut or tear in the retina while the retinal connection remains.

-Vitrectomy:

The vitreous is removed and a laser is used to close the cuts and tears in the retina. The eye is filled with either gas or silicone oil. The body gets rid of the gas slowly, while the silicone oil remains permanently and must be removed through another surgical operation. Silicone is usually used in complex cases.

Scleral buckling:

It is done by placing a tape or brace around the outer eye with the aim of pushing the eye wall to the retina, and returning it to its correct place.

Recovery from retinal detachment treatment depends on the progress of the condition, the speed with which treatment is sought, and the extent of obtaining specialized medical care. Some people may not regain full vision and the patient may need another intervention depending on the condition of the retina.