One of the common causes of vision problems is the retinal detachment. Your vision is an important aspect in determining, interpreting, and understanding the objects. So, it acts as a medium to connect with your environment. Do you know that eighty percent of your perception is based on your eyesight? The other sense organs contribute only twenty percent. But, most people above the age of forty can experience problems with it. The common cause associated with the sight problem is the retinal detachment. You need to know more information on the common vision issue to avoid it in your life. Therefore, the right information can eliminate any distress caused by the problem.
The Function Of Retina
Before knowing about the issue, you need to understand the function of your eye. You can see the things around you because of the retina. The lens focuses the image of the object as the light passes through the eyes. The retina is responsible for converting the image to the signals that are sent to the brain via the optic nerve. So, the retina works in coordination with the other parts of the eyes (like cornea, lens, etc.) and brain. It results in the production of normal vision.
What Exactly Is Retinal Detachment?
The separation of the retina from the back of the eye is known as retinal detachment. It can lead to a problem with vision. Therefore, you may experience partial or complete vision loss. But, the severity depends on how much the retina is detached. The improper working of the retina is a serious condition. So, it needs immediate medical assistance.
The retina is the tissue that is light-sensitive. It lines inside your eye and sends the visual signal to your brain. The detachment of the retina results in its pulling or lifting from the normal position. So, it can lead to the depravity of oxygen around the surrounding cells. It is a medical emergency, which requires prompt care and treatment. Failing to get medical help results in vision loss. Hence, call your doctor immediately if you suffer from vision loss or changes.
Symptoms Of Retinal Detachment
Retinal detachment may sound painful. But, it is far from the truth. In fact, you may never experience pain with the condition. So, how do you know you have the issue? It has several other symptoms that you need to watch out for.
Blurred vision
Do you feel like squinting, blinking or rubbing your eyes? It is because your vision is blurred. It is one of the most common symptoms of retinal detachment. You may feel a dense shadow on the peripheral vision. It progresses to the central vision causing problems with eyesight.
Partial Vision Loss
Another symptom is losing your vision partially. So, you may feel like something is covering your vision. It is like pulling a curtain across your visual field. Therefore, it may have a dark shadow effect on your vision.
Flashing Lights
It is another sign of retinal detachment. You may have a sensation of sudden flashes of light. The clear substance in the middle of the eye shrinks. So, it causes the issues while you look to the side.
Floaters
The sudden appearance of floaters before the eye is the sign of vision problem. So, you can see small bits of debris floating before the eyes. It looks like strings floating or black flecks. In most cases, the ring of floaters can appear from the temporal side of central vision.
Distortion Of Vision
The distortion of the retina can lead to the straight lines appearing bent, wavy, or crooked. Therefore, the straight lines on the edge of the wall, road, scale, etc. can appear curved. The vision is like looking through a paper towel/tunnel. You can take an Amsler grid test to determine it successfully.
Types Of Retinal Detachment
The pulling of the thin layer of nerve tissue in the back of the eye is a serious issue. So, you need to take a closer look at the symptoms you are experiencing. The retinal detachment has three types that you need to know.
Rhegmatogenous
It is the most common toe of retinal detachment that can affect anyone. It happens with the hole or a tear in the retina. So, it causes the leakage of fluid within the eye to slip through the opening. The fluid gets deposited behind the retina. It separates the retinal pigment epithelium and retina. The retinal pigment epithelium is a very important membrane that nourishes the retina. It also provides the much-needed oxygen to the retina. Therefore, the hole or tear can cause retinal detachment. The issues do not happen overnight. It develops gradually over time.
Tractional Retinal Detachment
It is the issue common among people with diabetes. The tissue that grows on the retinal surface or the scar tissue contracts. So, it pulls the retina from the back of the eye. It leads to vision problems. In people with poorly controlled diabetes, issues can crop up with the retinal vascular system. Therefore, it leads to the accumulation of scar tissue. Hence, it ultimately causes retinal detachment.
Exudative Detachment
It is the rare type of retinal detachment. It causes no tear. But, the fluid collects under the retina leading to the detachment. It is mainly caused due to the complication of various diseases or an eye injury. You need to maintain caution as it can affect both the eyes. The common condition leading to the exudative retinal detachment are:
- Fluid accumulation behind the retina due to any inflammation disorder or kidney diseases
- Lyme disease caused by bacteria resulting in ocular inflammation
- Cancerous/non-cancerous tumors behind the retina
- Development of abnormal blood vessels due to Coats’ disease-causing leaking of proteins behind the retina.
People At Risk Of Retinal Detachment
Retinal detachment is a common issue. But, some people are prone to it more than the others. The people who are at more risk of the problem are:
- Older adults who can suffer from the posterior vitreous detachment leading to vision loss.
- People who suffer from extreme nearsightedness (Myopia) that tends to cause more strain on the eyes.
- A family member having the issue of retinal detachment.
- If your age is above fifty years.
- You have a prior history of the detachment of the retina.
- Suffer from any trauma or injury to the eyes.
- Have complications from the cataract surgery.
- People having uncontrolled diabetes.
Diagnosis Of Retinal Detachment
You need to seek medical help immediately if you experience vision problems. Your doctor has the instruments, tests, and procedures to find the problem precisely. The doctor may conduct several tests to check several things like:
- The eyesight or vision
- The appearance of the eye
- The eye pressure
- Check for your ability to see colors
- Detect the blood flow in the eye region especially the retina
Your doctor also tests your retina’s ability to send signals to the brain. So, the doctor may conduct the following examination to diagnose retinal detachment.
Retinal Examination
Your doctor will use the instrument with special lens known as ophthalmoscope to check the back of your eyes. It consists of bright light that can show everything including the retina with clarity. So, the highly detailed view will help the doctor to find issues. Any tears, detachment or retinal holes are easy to detect with the instrument.
Ultrasound Imaging
The painless test creates a detailed image of the eye to check the problems. The test uses sound waves to produce the image. So, the doctor can use the test to detect the presence of bleeding, trauma or other issues. It shows the clear image of the retina that is difficult to see in case of trauma.
Frequency Of The Examination
Your doctor examines both the eyes. It is done even when you have symptoms in just one eye. Sometimes, it is difficult to find the problem in a single visit. So, you need to visit your doctor several times to identify the issue. It is possible with delayed tear due to vitreous separation. Therefore, you need to seek medical assistance. It is also applicable if you experience new symptoms. The detection at right time will eliminate the risk of vision loss. Hence, get a doctor’s appointment immediately.
Treating Retinal Detachment
Once you detect retinal detachment, surgery is not the ultimate solution. Depending on the severity of the issues, you have several treatment options. Your doctor may prescribe the right treatment plan to overcome the issue. Hence, it may vary from minor procedures to invasive surgeries that will restore vision.
Photocoagulation
Photocoagulation is using the laser to rectify the retinal detachment. It is performed for the tear or hole in the retina. It is the ideal procedure if the retina is still attached. Your doctor can use the procedure and burns the tear site. So, it results in scarring that affixes the retina back.
Cryopexy
Retinal cryopexy is another option to deal with retinal detachment. Your doctor can opt for the procedure that freezes the retinal tear with intense cold. So, a freezing probe is placed directly outside the tear site. It results in scarring that holds the retina in its actual place.
Retinopexy
Your doctor can advise you to undergo retinopexy. It is best for minor detachment issues. It uses the gas bubble in the eye to restore the retina back to the actual position. So, it helps the retina to move back to the wall of the eye. Then, your doctor will use freezing robe or laser to seal the tear or holes caused.
Scleral buckling
For more severe retinal detachment issues, you need to have invasive surgeries. Your doctor can suggest the popular method of scleral buckling. The procedure pushes the wall of the eye into the retina. So, it backs in the actual position. Your vision will restore back after proper healing. Your doctor performs the procedure in combination with others like:
- Cryopexy
- Vitrectomy
- Retinopexy
So, it is the effective surgical option to overcome the retinal detachment issue.
Vitrectomy
If you have larger tears, then the ideal option is vitrectomy. The invasive procedure is performed in the hospital. So, your doctor may use anesthesia to clear the complication. It involves using small tools that can remove the scar tissue or abnormal vascular. It also removes the gel-like fluid known as vitreous from the retina. Your doctor will use the gas bubble to place the retina back in its actual position. Therefore, it is the effective treatment for severe retinal detachment. It is normally performed along with other procedures like retinopexy or cryopexy.
What To Do After Getting Diagnosed With Retinal Detachment?
If you detect the condition, then you need to get medical assistance immediately. So, it plays a significant role in regaining full vision. Your eye has macula, which is responsible for clear vision. It is situated at the center of your retina. So, you need to take prompt action to avoid damage of macula. The severity of retinal detachment also plays important role in overcoming the vision problems. Therefore, never delay getting professional help to clear the vision issues.
Preventing Retinal Detachment
Retinal detachment is a common problem that can occur to anyone at any time in their life. So, knowing the steps to prevent it will give you peace of mind. It ensures that you can deal with the problem and overcome it.
Knowing The Symptoms
It is important to become aware of the signs and symptoms of the issue. It will help you take immediate action to overcome the issue. If you experience any of the symptoms, then get help. So, with good medical attention, you can handle retinal detachment well.
Avoiding Eye Injury
You need to avoid serious eye injury or trauma. Wearing protective eyewear can prevent traumas leading to retinal detachment. So, sports players or people working with tools need to opt for eyewear to prevent any mishaps.
Controlling Diabetes
People with diabetes need to keep it under control. It will eliminate the complications to the visions. Hence, getting the blood test regularly and taking proper medications can avoid vision problems. You need to see your doctor without fail to overcome any complications.
Regular Eye Exams
You are more risk of retinal detachment if you have a family history, suffer from nearsightedness, or have prior issues with retina. The regular eye exams can help you identify any issue early. So, you can get treatment at the right time to overcome the problem.
Conclusion
Do not ignore the symptoms of retinal detachment. It is a severe issue that can result in severe complications. So, never misunderstand the impact of the condition. Seek medical assistance immediately to alleviate the problem and save your vision.