Retinal detachment can be defined as an eye disease, where your retina (a light-sensitive layer of tissue in the back of your eye) is either dislocated from its normal position, or otherwise suffers a tear.
The symptoms of retinal detachment are:
- The appearance of grey or black specks that seem to be floating in your field of vision (floaters).
- One or both eyes experience flashes of light.
- A shadow or curtain-like clouding is experienced on the sides or the middle of your vision
If you suspect to be suffering from the above-mentioned symptoms, the best option is to approach an eye hospital.
Dilated Eye Exam
The initial diagnosis for retinal detachment will be made through a dilated eye exam. In this procedure, the eye specialist will initially apply some eye drops to dilate your pupil and then study your retina.
If the dilated eye exam is not sufficient and the eye doctor requires more information, you are likely to undergo an ultrasound or an Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) scan of your eye. Both these tests are painless and can identify the exact position of your retina.
Treatment
There are several treatments for retinal detachment; the aim is to reattach the retina to the back of your eye. The mode of treatment varies from person to person, depending on their underlying health conditions and sometimes an ophthalmologist might use a combination of treatments.
Freeze Treatment (Cryopexy): Cryopexy otherwise known as freeze treatment is used in cases where the cause of retinal detachment is a hole or a small tear in the retina. A freezing probe or a medical laser is used to seal any tears or breaks in the retina.
Surgery: You may require a surgical procedure to correct your retinal detachment if a larger part of your retina has detached. 3 types of surgeries can be performed on a detached retina:
Pneumatic Retinopexy
In this procedure a small air bubble will be injected into your eye and this will push your retina back into place. After the injection of the air bubble, the eye surgeon will resort to a laser or freeze treatment to repair any holes or tears.
Scleral Buckle
In this surgery, the ophthalmologist will start by placing a tiny, flexible band around the white part of your eye, called the sclera. The function of the band is to gently push the sides of your eye and shift them inward towards your retina. This procedure helps in the reattachment of the retina. After the scleral buckle surgery, the ophthalmologist may use a laser or freeze treatment to repair the tears in your retina.
Vitrectomy
In this surgical procedure, the ophthalmologist starts by removing some or all of the vitreous from the middle of your eye and then replaces it with either a saline solution or a bubble made of gas or oil. The vitrectomy surgery is usually carried out to treat problems with the retina and vitreous.
The detached retina treatment plan varies from person-to-person. Only a specialized ophthalmologist is qualified to diagnose and perform treatments. A detached retina is accompanied by a set of visual difficulties, and heedlessness could result in permanent vision loss. Make sure to visit a professional eye clinic when you suspect to be suffering from any eye disease; initial care will aid in prevention and early treatment.