Our eyes are that organ of
our body that makes us see all the beauty surrounding us. Inside our eyes, lies
a thin layer of tissue called retina on which light rays are focused forming
the image. Retina converts light into signals and send these signals to the brain, so that
an image is formed in front of the eye.
Retina plays a very
important role in our vision. Any minor or major damage to the retina can be
really serious and calls for immediate medical attention. Failure to do so,
might lead to loss of vision or permanent blindness.
Retinal detachment is a
condition in which the retina detaches or peels away from the back wall of the
eye. This leads to reduction of blood supply along with source of nutrition to
the retina, resulting in degeneration. Retina if remains detached can cause permanent
vision loss.
If someone observes
flashes of light in their vision accompanied by floaters (thread like moving
strands in the vision) and darkened side vision, don't delay visiting a retina
specialist as these are the primary symptoms of retinal detachment.
There are three main types
retinal detachment. First and the most common type is retinal break or tear. In
this, liquid present in the centre of the eye called vitreous, passes through
the retinal tear making the retina lift off from its position. In medical terms
it is called Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment.
The second most common type
is exudative retinal detachment. This happens due to leakage of fluid (exudates)
from the retina. Tumors and inflammatory disorders of the eye cause exudative
retinal detachment.
Traction retinal
detachment is the third kind of retinal detachment. Proliferative Diabetic
Retinopathy (PDR) causes traction retinal detachment. In this, the retina gets pulled
from the vascular tissue in the vitreous cavity.
People who are short/near
sighted are at the risk of developing retinal detachment. Anyone who had an eye
injury in the past, or had undergone a complicated cataract surgery is more
prone to retinal detachment. Besides, those with a family history of retinal
detachment are at increased risk of developing this disorder.
A surgery for reattaching
the retina is the most successful way to treat retinal detachment. Depending
upon the characteristic and age of the patient, appropriate technique is
adopted for the treatment. There are basically 3 ways to treat retinal
detachment.
The oldest and most common
technique to treat retinal detachment is scleral buckle. It is used for
patients suffering from rhegmatogenous retinal detachments in which there are
no major complications. In this the buckle (a silicone sponge or solid
silicone) is sewn onto the outer wall of the eyeball to close the retinal break
or tear. A person can get back to home on the same day of the surgery, and
resume their daily chores in a few days time.
Vitrectomy is another
technique used generally for those patients suffering from traction retinal
detachments caused by diabetes. But, this treatment can also be used for
patients with rhegmatogenous detachments, especially if they are associated
with vitreous traction or vitreous hemorrhage.
For those having a single
tear rhegmatogenous detachment,a Pneumatic retinopexy can be a good option. In
this, a gas bubble is injected in the vitreous cavity (middle part of the eye)
and is positioned in a way that it covers the retinal break.
Depending upon the reason
behind retinal detachment,a retina specialist can advice you on the type of
procedure to be used for the treatment.
Post the surgery, a
patient might feel tired for the first 2-3 weeks. Also, it is advised that
person should not drive or fly while the gas bubble is still there in the eye.
Many a times, a person may feel uncomfortable or scratchy in the eye during the
first few days. Strenuous activities should be best avoided till the time your
eye is completely healed. Post the healing, one can get back to their normal
course of work and can lead a normal life.
There is a possibility
that if you have retinal detachment in one eye then you might develop it in the
other eye as well. After careful examination, if any weak area vulnerable to
develop break is discovered, a laser treatment can be performed
by the doctor to strengthen the retina.
A retinal detachment in
most cases can be prevented with regular eye examination. If you notice any
changes in your vision, don’t ignore and get yourself checked. If you have
diabetes, it becomes even more important to have eye examination once a year.
Also, those having near vision problem should ideally get their eyes checked on
a regular basis.
If you suffer from
diabetes or hypertension, it is advised to keep their levels under control so
that no added pressure falls on the retinal blood vessels. While performing
outdoor activities like swimming, scuba diving, snowboarding etc. make sure you
wear protective glasses. Eye protection is also required for those whose work
involves usage of chemicals or artificial UV lights.
