RETINAL DETACHMENT
RETINAL DETACHMENT
What Is a Detached Retina?
What Is a Detached Retina?
A detached retina is when the retina lifts away from the back of the eye. The retina does not work when it is detached, making vision blurry. A detached retina is a serious problem and needs immediate attention by a Retina specialist so that the problem is treated and measures can be taken to prevent the further loss of vision.
How Does the Retina Detach?
With ageing, the vitreous in the eyes starts to shrink and get thinner. As the eye moves, the vitreous moves around on the retina without causing problems. But sometimes, as the vitreous shrinks, it may pull hard enough to cause a tear in the retina. When that happens, fluid can pass backwards through the tear and lift (detach) the retina.
RHEGMATOGENOUS RETINAL DETACHMENT (RRD)
Who Is at Risk for Retinal Detachment?
One is more likely to have a detached retina if he/she
- needs glasses to see far away (nearsightedness or myopia)
- has had cataract, glaucoma, or other eye surgery
- takes glaucoma medications that make the pupil small (like pilocarpine)
- had a serious eye injury(trauma)
- had a retinal tear or detachment in the other eye
- has family members who have had retinal detachment
- have weak areas in the retina (seen by a retina specialist during a dilated retinal exam)
Such people should look out for the early signs of a retina detachment and consult a Retina specialist at once if symptoms persist.
Early Signs of a Detached Retina
- Seeing flashing lights all of a sudden, perceived as sparkling lights in dim light
- Noticing many new floaters at once. These can look like specks, lines or cobwebs in the field of vision.
- A shadow appearing in the peripheral (side) vision.
- A grey curtain covering part of the field of vision.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is highly recommended that you visit the Viaan Eye and Retina Centre and get yourself checked by the best Retina specialist in Gurgaon
Floaters
Peripheral field loss
How Is a Detached Retina Diagnosed?
The Retina specialist will put drops in the eyes to dilate (widen) the pupil and will look through a special lens and a head-mounted instrument to check the retina. Sometimes an Ultrasound of the back of the eye may be needed to diagnose the detachment.
ULTRASOUND OF RETINAL DETACHMENT
How Is a Detached Retina Treated?
Surgery is done by a Retina specialist to repair a detached retina. Kindly refer to the Retinal Surgery Section.