What is Retinal Detachment?

Retinal detachment, popularly known as retinal tear, is simply defined as holes and tears in the retina. It is a serious defect that can cause vision loss if left untreated. If retinal detachment, which occurs when the healthy retinal layer detaches from the inner surface of the eyeball to which it is attached, is not treated in time, it can spread to the entire retina and vision may begin to decrease. If these tears or holes are intervened and treated in time, the disease can be prevented before the retinal layer detaches. Retinal detachment can be observed in all age groups.

What are the causes of retinal detachment? 

Genetic and environmental factors can be effective in retinal detachment. Since it is not a preventable disease, early diagnosis and timely intervention are important. The influencing factors can be summarized as follows;

 Degeneration of the eye fluid due to old age,

 Retinal Detachment in Families,

 Cataract Surgery,

 Previous Eye Surgeries,

 High Degree Myopia,

 Trauma (Hitting, Falling, Impact)

What are the symptoms of retinal detachment? 

It is extremely important to detect the disease early and treat it before retinal detachment develops. Some people may not show many symptoms, so it is very important to have regular eye examinations. In addition, if you have the following symptoms, you should consult a specialist doctor immediately.

 Flashes of light, flash bursts and floaters in the eye, 

 Sudden Appearance of Floaters,

 Blurred Vision or Loss of Vision, 

 Feels like a smokescreen in the eye.

What are the treatment methods for retinal detachment? 

The treatment of retinal detachment is surgery. However, the surgical method varies according to the number, size, location, shape and duration of the retinal tear.

Argon Laser

If detected at the tear stage, laser treatment can prevent retinal detachment before it develops. Therefore, early diagnosis is very important. If there is only a tear in the retina, argon laser treatment can be used to close the area around the tear. If retinal detachment has developed, the only treatment method is surgery.

Scleral (external) buckling method

It is a surgical method applied to the eye from the outside. Thin strips made of silicone are placed under the conjunctiva, which covers the white part of the eye, by passing them under the eye muscles. In this way, pressure is applied to the eye from the outside and a laser is applied around the tear to close the retinal tear. The treatment is completed by draining the retinal detachment fluid. 

 

Vitrectomy 

It is a surgical procedure used when large or multiple tears have developed. The vitreous - the clear, gel-like tissue that fills the inside of the eyeball - is removed with the help of small punctures, cutting-aspirating rods and light sources and a gel-like liquid is injected. With this method, the fluid accumulated under the retina is aspirated and the tears are closed. 

Depending on the level of your disease and the size of your tear, your doctor will determine a suitable treatment method.