After surgery, the patient needs to be in a face down position for at least seven days as the retina heals. A gas or oil bubble is placed inside the eye to keep the retina in the correct position as it heals. Vitrectomy, a surgical procedure done in the operating room that involves removing all the vitreous from the eye, reattaching the retina to the back of the eye, and then using a laser to repair any tears in the retina.This is done in an office setting however, not everyone is a good candidate for this procedure. Pneumatic retinopexy, where the retinal tear is treated with cryotherapy or a laser, followed by injection of a gas bubble inside the eye to push the retina into place so it can heal properly.After these treatments, it’s recommended that the patient takes it easy for three to four days and has a follow-up appointment to confirm that the tear is healing.Ī full retinal detachment requires urgent treatment to repair the retina, and there are multiple surgical and nonsurgical treatment options, including: This can include a laser procedure called photocoagulation or a freeze treatment called cryopexy. If a retina is torn, treatment is needed to prevent progression into retinal detachment. How are detached and torn retinas treated? As part of the evaluation, the ophthalmologist will dilate and examine the affected eye. It’s also recommended that the person avoids strenuous activity or extensive reading until he or she is evaluated by a doctor. In order to prevent permanent vision loss, it’s critical to be seen by a doctor within 24 hours. If someone is experiencing signs of a retinal tear or detachment, they should call their eye doctor or go to their local hospital emergency department. However, once a detachment occurs, permanent and irreversible vision loss can result. If discovered early, a torn retina or retinal tear can be treated and prevent the retinal detachment from happening. Why is it important to seek emergency medical attention?Ī retinal detachment is a serious condition, and urgent treatment is necessary to decrease any long-term impact on vision. Many people have floaters that come and go, but an increase in floaters all at once is a sign that something may be wrong. Floaters are small dark shapes that float across your field of vision and often look like specks, lines or cobwebs. It’s also common to see shadows appearing in your side vision or a gray curtain covering part of your field of vision.Īnother warning sign is lots of new floaters all at once. The flashing suggests that the vitreous is pulling on the retina, potentially causing a tear. What are the early signs of a torn or detached retina?Ī common warning sign of a retinal tear or detachment is seeing flashes of light (like a camera flash), which can be noticed in dark conditions or when you move your head from side to side. Other less common causes of retinal detachment include inflammation, tumors and diseases like diabetes, but those cases are treated differently than rhegmatogenous or trauma-related tears and detachments. In such cases, a retinal tear can develop and lead to a retinal detachment. This hole allows fluid to pass through and lift or separate the retina, causing a full detachment.Ī second common cause of retinal detachment is trauma, or injury, to the eye. As this occurs, the vitreous can pull on the retina and create a hole, or tear. This happens when gel-like fluid inside the eyes, called the vitreous, starts to liquify or shrink with age. There are multiple ways that the retina can detach, but the most common way is called a rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. When the retina is detached from the back wall of the eye, it separates from its blood supply and no longer functions properly, resulting in decreased vision. What is a retinal detachment and how does it occur?Ī retinal detachment is when the retina – a layer of the eye tissue that senses light and sends images to the brain – is separated or lifts away from the back of the eye. Focus spoke with retina surgeon Mohammad Dahrouj, MD, PhD, about the causes of retinal detachments and why it’s important to immediately seek medical attention if certain symptoms arise. Retinal detachments and tears can lead to the loss of sight and should be treated as emergencies.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |