Information From Your Health Care Provider

RETINAL DETACHMENT

Basic information

description

A retinal detachment is a separation or tear of the retina (the light-receptive tissue at the back of the eye) from the remainder of the eye. It usually affects one eye, but sometimes both are affected. It can affect all ages (most often ages 40 to 70) and both sexes. Retinal detachment is a medical emergency.

FREQUENT SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

Light flashes in the field of vision.
Floating spots in the field of vision.
Blurred vision.
A shadow or curtain over the field of vision.
Gradual loss of vision. This may not be noticed because it is so gradual.
No pain.

causes

Retinal detachments may develop in eyes with retinas weakened by a hole or a tear. This allows fluid to seep underneath and weaken the attachment so that the retina then becomes detached.

risk increases with

Aging.
Eye injury.
Diabetes (which can lead to diabetic retinopathy).
Previous retinal detachment.
Family history of retinal detachment.
Extreme nearsightedness (myopia).
Cataract surgery.
Other eye diseases.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

No specific preventive measures.
Use safety precautions to prevent eye injury (e.g., eye protection in contact sports).
Patients at risk should have regular eye exams.
Following cataract surgery, call your eye care provider about any new or unexpected symptoms.

expected outcomes

Usually curable with prompt treatment.

possible complications

Without treatment, partial or complete blindness in the affected eye may occur.
With delayed treatment, detachment may extend to the macula (the area of most detailed vision). This can cause permanent loss of detailed (central) vision.
Detachment may recur. This can occur within a few months of surgery. Treatment will need to be repeated.

diagnosis & treatment

general measures

Your eye doctor (ophthalmologist) will diagnose the detachment by an exam of the eye. An ultrasound may be done in some cases.
Treatment will depend on location and severity of the detachment. There are several procedures available. Sometimes, a combination of one or more procedures is used. The procedures are most often done as an outpatient, but hospital care may be needed for surgery. A local or general anesthetic may be used. Your eye doctor will explain the procedures to you.
The retina may be reattached using special lasers or cryotherapy (using below-freezing temperatures).
A gas bubble may be injected into the eye. It holds the retina in place while, over a period of days, the fluid that seeped in is resolved. The gas bubble is eventually absorbed by the body. This procedure may require the head to remain in a certain position for days to weeks.
More advanced detachments may require surgery. Scleral buckle or vitrectomy are two types of surgery that may be recommended.
Recovery of vision may take weeks to months. If vision was good before the detachment, good vision should return. If vision was poor prior to the detachment, the return may be slow and remain poor.

medications

Drugs are usually not needed for this disorder.

activity

You will be advised about limits on activity depending on the type of procedure used. Follow all instructions carefully.

diet

No special diet.

notify our office if

You or a family member has flashes or floating spots in your field of vision. Do not delay in getting medical help. This can be an emergency.
Any sign of infection occurs (bleeding, redness, pain, swelling, or fever) or vision worsens after surgery.