Summary about Disease
Retinal detachment is a serious eye condition where the retina, a light-sensitive layer of tissue at the back of the eye, pulls away from its underlying support tissue. This separation deprives the retinal cells of oxygen and nourishment. The longer the retina remains detached, the greater the risk of permanent vision loss. It is a medical emergency requiring prompt treatment.
Symptoms
Sudden appearance of many floaters (small specks that seem to drift through your vision)
Flashes of light in one or both eyes (photopsia)
Blurred vision
Gradually reduced side (peripheral) vision
A curtain-like shadow over your visual field
Causes
Posterior Vitreous Detachment (PVD): The most common cause. The vitreous gel that fills the eye shrinks and pulls on the retina.
Rhegmatogenous Detachment: A tear or break in the retina allows fluid to pass through and collect underneath, separating the retina from the underlying tissue.
Tractional Detachment: Scar tissue on the retina's surface contracts and pulls the retina away from the back of the eye. This is common in people with diabetes.
Exudative Detachment: Fluid accumulates beneath the retina but there are no tears or breaks. This can be caused by inflammatory disorders, vascular abnormalities, or tumors.
Eye injuries: Trauma to the eye.
Eye surgery: Can rarely lead to detachment.
Medicine Used
There are no medications used to treat a retinal detachment itself. Treatment always involves surgery or other procedures.
Is Communicable
No, retinal detachment is not communicable. It is not caused by an infectious agent and cannot be spread from person to person.
Precautions
There are no specific precautions to prevent retinal detachment, especially if it is due to PVD. However, for those at higher risk:
Regular eye exams: Especially for people with diabetes, high myopia (nearsightedness), or a family history of retinal detachment.
Protective eyewear: Wear appropriate eye protection during sports or activities that could cause eye injury.
Prompt medical attention: Seek immediate medical attention if you experience symptoms such as sudden floaters, flashes of light, or vision loss.
How long does an outbreak last?
Retinal detachment isn't an outbreak. It's a condition that develops, often relatively quickly. If left untreated, the detachment worsens and can lead to permanent vision loss. There is no "lasting time".
How is it diagnosed?
Dilated eye exam: Eye drops are used to widen (dilate) the pupils, allowing the doctor to see the retina and other structures at the back of the eye.
Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT): An imaging technique that provides cross-sectional images of the retina.
Ultrasound: Used if the retina cannot be visualized due to bleeding or other clouding in the eye.
Timeline of Symptoms
The timeline of symptoms can vary.
Sudden onset: Some people experience a sudden onset of floaters and flashes, followed quickly by a curtain-like shadow in their vision.
Gradual onset: Others may have a gradual increase in floaters and a slow blurring of vision over days or weeks.
Progression: Regardless of the initial onset, if left untreated, the symptoms will typically worsen over time, leading to progressive vision loss.
Important Considerations
Time is critical: The sooner a retinal detachment is treated, the better the chances of preserving vision.
Multiple surgical options: Several surgical techniques are available to repair a retinal detachment, and the best option depends on the type and severity of the detachment.
Vision may not be fully restored: Even with successful surgery, some permanent vision loss may occur, especially if the macula (the central part of the retina) has been detached for a long time.
Follow-up care: Regular follow-up appointments with an ophthalmologist are crucial after retinal detachment surgery to monitor for complications and ensure the retina remains attached.