Retinal detachment happens when the light-sensing tissue at the back of your eye, called the retina, moves away from its usual position. The retina converts light into signals that your brain interprets as vision.
For your retina to work properly, it must stay attached to the inner wall of your eye. When it detaches from the tissues that nourish and support it, it loses its blood and nutrient supply. As a result, retinal cells begin to die, which can lead to permanent vision loss if not treated quickly.
There are different types of retinal detachment, each with its own causes.
Types of Retinal Detachment
Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment
This is the most common type and occurs when a tear or hole forms in the retina. The hole allows the vitreous (a gel-like fluid that fills your eye) to seep underneath the retina. The fluid buildup can then lift the retina away from the underlying tissue.
Aging is the most common cause. As you grow older, the vitreous can shrink and change texture, pulling on the retina and sometimes causing a tear. Severe nearsightedness (myopia) and eye trauma can also increase your risk.
Tractional Retinal Detachment
In this type, scar tissue forms on the surface of the retina and pulls it away from the back of the eye.
Diabetic retinopathy is a leading cause of tractional retinal detachment. Long-term high blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels in the retina, leading to the growth of scar tissue. Other causes include chronic swelling or inflammation inside the eye and certain eye infections.
Exudative Retinal Detachment
Exudative detachment occurs when fluid collects beneath the retina without any tear or hole. The fluid buildup can separate the retina from the supporting tissues.
This type can result from swelling, leaking blood vessels, or other conditions such as uveitis, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), tumors, or trauma.
Does Retinal Detachment Have Any Symptoms?
Some people may not notice symptoms of a retinal detachment right away, while others experience sudden and dramatic changes in vision. Watch for:
- Flashes of light (often appearing as flickers, sparks, or lightning streaks)
- A sudden increase in floaters (spots, lines, or cobwebs drifting across your vision)
- A dark or gray shadow moving across your field of view
- Dark shadow or gray curtain covering parts of your vision
- Loss of peripheral (side) vision
Retinal detachment is a medical emergency. If you notice any of these symptoms, call your eye doctor right away. VisionPoint Eye Center offers an urgent care clinic during regular business hours for eye emergencies, and there’s always a doctor on call.
Prompt treatment can help prevent irreversible vision loss.
How is Retinal Detachment Treated?
Surgery is often needed to repair a detached retina. The specific approach depends on the type, size, and location of the detachment. Each procedure aims to return the retina to its normal position, prevent further damage, and preserve your sight.
Laser Photocoagulation or Cryopexy
These techniques are used to seal small tears or holes in the retina before or after detachment occurs.
- Laser photocoagulation uses a focused laser beam to create scar tissue that holds the retina in place.
- Cryopexy uses a freezing probe to achieve the same result.
Pneumatic Retinopexy
During this procedure, a small gas bubble is injected into your eye near the area of detachment. The bubble gently presses the retina back into position, allowing it to reattach to the eye wall.
Afterward, you’ll need to maintain a specific head position for several days so the bubble stays in place while healing occurs.
Scleral Buckle
During this surgery, your ophthalmologist places a soft silicone or plastic band around your eye, like a belt. The buckle slightly indents the wall of your eye, reducing the pulling force on the retina and helping it heal against the eye’s inner surface.
Vitrectomy
In a vitrectomy, your ophthalmologist removes the vitreous gel that’s tugging on your retina. Any retinal tears are sealed, and the space is filled with a bubble of gas, air, or silicone oil to push the retina back into position.
Protect Your Sight
Do you have symptoms of retinal detachment or risk factors such as diabetes, severe nearsightedness, or recent eye injury? Schedule your appointment today at VisionPoint Eye Center in Bloomington, IL, today. Timely detection and treatment of retinal detachment can save your sight.
