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BSM Eye Clinic.

BSM Eye Clinic.

BSM Eye Clinic.

BSM Eye Clinic.

BSM Eye Clinic.

BSM Eye Clinic.

Retinal Detachment

Retinal detachment: it’s important not to miss sudden changes in your vision

About

What Is Retinal Detachment?

An emergency that can lead to blindness if left untreated,
in which the retina lifts away like peeling wallpaper

The thin, transparent retina that lines the inside of the eye plays a key role, like the film in a camera. When the retina lifts away from or fully separates from the inner wall of the eye, it is called retinal detachment, and as it progresses the area of lost vision grows larger.
You may feel as if a black curtain has come down in front of your eyes. If left untreated it can lead to blindness, so as soon as you notice symptoms, visit an eye clinic right away for a detailed eye examination and treatment.

What Is Retinal Detachment?

BSM Eye Clinic

BSM Eye Clinic

BSM Eye Clinic

Symptoms of Retinal Detachment

  • Floaters
    Floaters

    Specks, dots or things like tiny flies
    seem to float in front of your eyes.

  • Photopsia (flashes of light)
    Photopsia (flashes of light)

    You see flashes of light
    even with your eyes closed or in the dark.

  • Visual field loss (curtain effect)
    Visual field loss (curtain effect)

    Your vision is blocked from the edges
    as if a black curtain were being drawn.

  • No relief from artificial tears
    No relief from artificial tears

    Unlike dry eye syndrome, blurry vision does not improve
    with artificial tears or rest.

Types of Retinal Detachment

  • Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment
    Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment

    The most common type, caused by a hole (tear) or rip in the retina. When the retina becomes thin or damaged due to high myopia, aging or injury, vitreous fluid seeps through the opening and lifts the retina away from the inner wall. This cuts off the retina’s blood supply and can rapidly impair photoreceptor function, so prompt treatment is needed.

  • Tractional retinal detachment
    Tractional retinal detachment

    This type occurs when abnormal fibrous proliferative membranes form on the surface of the retina and pull on it. It mainly appears as diabetic retinopathy, uveitis or retinopathy of prematurity progresses, and because the retina is pulled directly into detachment, specialized management of the underlying disease is also needed.

  • Exudative retinal detachment
    Exudative retinal detachment

    The retina lifts away as exudate (fluid) collects due to inflammation or vascular disease between the retina and the underlying choroid. Tumors or severe inflammatory diseases can be the cause, and vision changes depending on where the fluid collects.

Treatment of Retinal Detachment

Retinal detachment carries a high risk of blindness, so early diagnosis and prompt treatment are key. The essence of treatment is to reattach the detached retina to its original position; at the stage before detachment (retinal tear), it can be prevented with laser. If detachment has already occurred, vision must be protected with surgical treatment such as vitrectomy or scleral buckling.

Vitrectomy
Treatment 01
Vitrectomy

A surgery in which tiny openings are made in the eye to remove the clouded vitreous, after which gas or oil is injected to press the detached retina back into place. After surgery, keeping a face-down position for a period of time is very important so the retina can reattach successfully. The injected gas is naturally absorbed by the body over time, but if oil is used, a second surgery is needed later to remove it.

Scleral buckling
Treatment 02
Scleral buckling

A surgical method in which a silicone band is tied and tightened around the outside of the eye (sclera) to help the detached retina press closer against the inner wall. Vision usually recovers gradually from 2–3 weeks after surgery, and during recovery you should avoid strenuous exercise that could impact the head or eye and get plenty of rest.

Pneumatic retinopexy
Treatment 03
Pneumatic retinopexy

A procedure in which gas is injected into the eye to seal the hole (tear) in the retina, using the gas’s expansion to help the retina reattach naturally. For successful reattachment, it is very important to strictly keep your head bowed or lie face down and rest for some time after the procedure.

01 · 04

Precautions After Retinal Detachment Surgery

  • Age 60 and over

    1

    Medication and face washing

    After surgery, use your antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops strictly at the scheduled times. Also, to protect the surgical site, take special care when washing your face for about 1 week after surgery so that no water gets into your eyes.

  • Protect the surgical site and stay at rest

    2

    Protect the surgical site and stay at rest

    For stable healing of the surgical site, be sure to avoid rubbing your eyes or putting pressure on them, and always take care not to bump into objects in daily life.

  • No eye makeup for at least one month

    3

    No eye makeup for at least one month

    Removing eye makeup can put direct pressure on the eye, so it is safest to wait at least one month before wearing it.

  • The importance of regular checkups

    4

    The importance of regular checkups

    Even after successful treatment, retinal diseases require ongoing care.
    Be sure to have regular checkups on the schedule you were given so we can monitor your retina and prevent recurrence.