What is Retinal Detachment?
Retinal detachment is a serious eye condition that requires immediate medical attention to prevent vision loss. At Georgia Retina, our retinal specialists are dedicated to diagnosing and treating this condition, offering advanced care to protect your vision and eye health.
The retina lines the back wall of the eye. It has the crucial responsibility of absorbing the light that enters the eye and converting it into electrical signals.
Then, those signals are sent to the brain through the optic nerve, allowing your brain to form the images that you see. When the retina separates from the back wall of the eye, it is called a retinal detachment.
When this happens, the retina becomes separated from its blood supply and no longer functions properly. Retinal detachment is a serious eye condition and can lead to vision loss if not treated quickly.
Symptoms of Retinal Detachment
Retinal detachment can cause various symptoms, including:
Not all patients will experience noticeable symptoms, and the severity often correlates with the extent of the detachment. If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s crucial to seek immediate medical attention from an eye care professional.
What Causes a Retinal Detachment?
Retinal detachments can occur due to various reasons. Understanding the different types and causes can help you better comprehend your condition and the recommended treatment.
There are three main types of retinal detachments:
Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment
Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment is the most common type. It occurs when a tear or hole forms in the retina, allowing fluid from the vitreous gel that fills the eye to seep underneath the retina.
This fluid accumulation causes the retina to separate from the underlying tissue. Several factors can contribute to the development of retinal tears, including:
Tractional Retinal Detachment
Tractional retinal detachment happens when scar tissue or other abnormal tissues grow on the retina’s surface, pulling it away from the back of the eye. This type of detachment is less common and is often associated with conditions such as:
Exudative Retinal Detachment
Exudative retinal detachment is the least common type. It happens when fluid accumulates beneath the retina without the presence of tears or traction.
Exudative retinal detachment can occur in eyes with abnormal inflammation or excessive leakage from abnormal blood vessels.
How Are Retinal Detachments Treated?
The primary goal of retinal detachment treatment is to reattach the retina to the back of the eye and seal any tears or holes that caused the detachment. The specific treatment will depend on the type, size, and location of the detachment.
The retinal specialists at Georgia Retina are skilled in various surgical techniques to address retinal detachments effectively. The primary treatment options for retinal detachment are:
Vitrectomy
This procedure involves making tiny incisions in the white part of the eye, called the sclera, to remove the vitreous gel and drain the fluid from under the retina. Your retinal surgeon then uses laser or freezing treatments to seal any retinal tears.
Finally, the eye is filled with a gas or oil bubble to hold the retina in place during healing.
Scleral Buckle
In this procedure, the retinal surgeon places a silicone band around the outside of the eye. This band gently pushes the wall of the eye toward the retinal tear, helping to close it.
The tear is then sealed using a freezing treatment to create controlled scarring around it. In some cases
Pneumatic Retinopexy
This office-based procedure is suitable for certain types of retinal detachments. The retinal surgeon injects a gas bubble into the eye and positions the patient’s head to place the bubble over the retinal tear.
The tear is then sealed using either freezing treatment or laser therapy.
Laser Surgery
For small, localized detachments, laser treatment may be used to create a barrier around the affected area, preventing the detachment from spreading further.
Sometimes, more than one procedure may be necessary to fully reattach the retina. The vision outcome after retinal surgery depends on various factors, including the extent of the detachment before treatment and individual patient characteristics.
Expert Care at Georgia Retina
At Georgia Retina, our experienced team of retinal specialists is committed to providing personalized care for each patient. We carefully evaluate each case to determine the most appropriate treatment approach, taking into account the specific characteristics of the detachment and the patient’s overall eye health.
Early detection and prompt treatment are crucial in managing retinal detachments and preserving vision. If you experience any sudden changes in your vision, such as flashes, floaters, or a shadow in your visual field, don’t hesitate to seek immediate medical attention.
Our team at Georgia Retina is here to provide expert care and support throughout your treatment journey. Schedule an appointment at Georgia Retina in Atlanta, GA, today if you’re experiencing any new or unusual symptoms!
