Retinal Detachment

What is a Retinal Detachment?

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The retina is a thin layer of light-sensitive tissue at the back of your eye that transmits information to your optic nerve. Your brain uses these nerve impulses to create visual images of the sights you see.

A retinal detachment occurs when the retina pulls away from its normal positioning. This separates the retina from the blood vessels that supply it with oxygen and nourishment. The longer the retina remains detached, the greater your risk of permanent vision loss.

Who is at Risk for Retinal Detachment?

Several factors can play a role in increasing your risk of retinal detachment, which may include:

• Aging, more common in people over 50
• Personal or family history of retinal detachment
• Extreme nearsightedness (myopia)
• Previous eye surgery, such as cataract removal
• Past severe eye injury
• History of eye disease or disorder, such as uveitis or thinning of the peripheral retina (lattice degeneration)

Are There Different Types of Retinal Detachment?

There are three types of retinal detachment:

• Rhegmatogenous (reg-ma-TODGE-uh-nus), the most common and often related to aging
• Tractional, caused by the growth of scar tissue on the retina and often seen in people with poorly controlled diabetes
• Exudative, caused by fluid accumulating beneath the retina and potentially related to age-related macular degeneration, eye injury, or inflammatory disorders

What are the Symptoms of Retinal Detachment?

Retinal detachment itself is painless but typically causes warning signs in advance. These may include:

• A sudden and obvious increase in eye floaters
• Flashes of light in one or both eyes
• Blurred vision and gradual reduction in side (peripheral) vision
• What appears as a shadow over your visual field

What is the Treatment for Retinal Detachment?

Surgery is required to repair a detached retina. There are different surgical approaches available, and your surgeon will discuss your options, treatment expectations, and the recovery process before scheduling your procedure.

Can You Prevent Retinal Detachment?

Probably the best thing you can do for your eye health and to possibly prevent retinal detachment is to schedule comprehensive eye exams as part of your routine wellness efforts. Your eye doctor can identify even small changes on an exam that may signal an evolving issue and take steps to treat the condition before it causes major issues.

Schedule your visit today at Rocky Mountain Eye Center.