LaserVision

What is Retinal Detachment?

A retinal detachment is defined as the separation of neurosensory retina (light-detecting tissue) from the retinal pigment epithelium (base layer) at the back of the eye. Retinal detachment causes the retinal cells to separate from the blood vessels that provide oxygen and nourishment. If left untreated, retinal detachment can result in permanent loss of vision in the affected eye. Examination involves dilating the pupil with the assistance of the latest Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) which is pivotal to managing this condition successfully.

Retinal Detachment Symptoms

What are the Symptoms?

  • Sudden onset, floating dots and/or lines
  • Flashing lights - typically an arc of light
  • Lingering veil or curtain in the peripheral vision
  • Significantly reduced vision if macula detached

What are the Causes?

There are three types of retinal detachment with their own precise pathophysiology: Rhegmatogenous (the most common form) – With this type of retinal detachment a break in the retinal tissue allows vitreous fluid to seep underneath the retina and detach it. Retinal tears and holes are far more common in high myopia (short-sighted prescriptions) as the retina is thinner and stretched. A posterior vitreous detachment (or PVD) in later life can also trigger a tear or hole;
Tractional – This is the result of scar tissue or the vitreous body tugging on the retina. Proliferative diabetic disease, trauma and surgery can all lead to scar tissue on the surface of the retina which can pull on the tissue to cause a defect;
Exudative – The formation of subretinal fluid due to inflammatory and/or exudative diseases including Sarcoidosis and metastatic cancers.

Causes
Causes

What are the Causes?

There are three types of retinal detachment with their own precise pathophysiology: Rhegmatogenous (the most common form) – With this type of retinal detachment a break in the retinal tissue allows vitreous fluid to seep underneath the retina and detach it. Retinal tears and holes are far more common in high myopia (short-sighted prescriptions) as the retina is thinner and stretched. A posterior vitreous detachment (or PVD) in later life can also trigger a tear or hole;
Tractional – This is the result of scar tissue or the vitreous body tugging on the retina. Proliferative diabetic disease, trauma and surgery can all lead to scar tissue on the surface of the retina which can pull on the tissue to cause a defect;
Exudative – The formation of subretinal fluid due to inflammatory and/or exudative diseases including Sarcoidosis and metastatic cancers.

Retinal Detachment Diagnosis

What is the Diagnosis?

If your retina detaches, it is urgent that you receive surgery to repair it as soon as possible – preferably within days of your diagnosis. There are a number of surgeries designed to seal holes and reattach the retina, your Laser Vision surgeon will recommend the best retinal detachment surgery for your case after a full consultation, including: Vitrectomy, Scleral Buckle or Pneumatic Retinopathy. In some cases a combination of Vitrectomy and Scleral Buckle are used.

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Need to know more about this condition?

If you’d like some more information or to discuss this condition with one of our experts, simply drop us a line or give us a call and we’d be delighted to speak with you.
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