Retinal detachment is an eye emergency in which the Retina at the back of the eye pulls away from the tissues around it. It usually occurs due to a tear in the retina, but can also occur in conditions such as diabetic retinopathy in the absence of a tear.

The retina is the light-sensitive film which converts visual input into electrical that are sent to the brain through the optic nerve.

Retinal detachment is a serious condition because it leads to partial or total loss of vision. Treatment as soon as possible is necessary since the layer underneath the retina provides it with nourishment and oxygen. Without urgent treatment, permanent vision loss could occur.

Symptoms of retinal detachment

The symptoms or signs of retinal detachment are:

●        A sudden onset of “floaters” in the vision from one eye. Floaters are tiny specks, like flies or insects, that are seen in the visual field.

●        Photopsiae, i.e. a sensation of seeing very brief flashes of light, usually in the peripheral vision.

●        A curtain-like shadow that starts from one side progresses to cover the visual field.

●        Constriction of peripheral vision.

●        Blurred vision.

●        Loss of central vision.

If you are suffering from any of these symptoms, it is recommended that you see an eye doctor as soon as possible.

Causes of retinal detachment

Several retinal detachments exist. Rhegmatic (Regma TODGE-Uhnus). This type of retina separating is common among patients in a large number. A retina hole or tear causes the retina to leak through the retina, which forces fluid into the retina, which forces it out of contact with the surrounding tissues. A retina detaching area loses the blood supply that stops working, which can cause a loss in sight. Rhegmatogenesis causes the highest rate of detachment based on ageing. As you grow old your eye’s vitreous surface may lose its shape and lose or become less liquid.

Treatment for retinal detachment

Treatment for retinal detachment depends on a few factors including how much retina is detached and where in the eye the detached is located. The treatment options are laser Surgery, cryotheray, or eye surgery to fix any tears or breaks in the retina. The eye surgeon (ophthalmologist) will discuss the kind of surgery they recommend, its risks, and its benefits with you.

Sometimes, the recommened treatment involves using more than one of these treatments at the same time.

1. Laser surgery (photocoagulation)

In laser surgery treatment, a medical laser is focused on the retina. This laser makes small burns around the retina hole or tear and small surrounding retinal detachment. Small scars are created because of the burns and this helps to stick the retina down and prevent the detachment from becoming larger. 

The procedure involves putting anaesthetic eye drops and focusing the laser through the pupil of the eye. A flashing light may be visible to the patient when the laser energy is delivered.

2. Cryopexy (freezing)

Cryopexy is another way of treating retinal hole or tear. In this procedure, a freezing probe is applied to the outer surface of your eye directly over the tear.  Similar to photocoagulation, the freezing causes a scar that helps in holding the retina to the eye wall.

3. Surgery

If your retina is significantly detached, eye surgery in a hospital may be required to situate the retina back to its proper place

For a short time, you may need to stay in the hospital after the surgery. It can be a few weeks’ time before your vision starts to improve after the surgery.

There are 3 main types of surgery to fix a detached retina:

1. Pneumatic retinopexy: A small bubble is injected into the eye. The purpose of the bubble is to push your retina back into place so that laser or cryopexy can be effectively applied to repair any holes or tears in the retina. The bubble (if positioned correctly) can push the area of the retina with the retinal hole against the eyewall. This stops more fluid from flowing into the area behind the retina and making the detachment larger. This procedure may be possible in the ophthalmologist clinic. The patient may be required to hold their head in a certain position for several days to keep the bubble’s position in the right place. During a pneumatic retinopexy, the eye is numb using anaesthetic drops. A fine needle is inserted into the vitreous cavity to remove a small amount of fluid, followed by injection of an air bubble. Once the retina is flat, the surgeon will apply laser or freezing treatment to repair holes or tears in the retina. The air bubble will be visible in your peripheral vision after the surgery for some time, and will disappear on its own.
   
2. Scleral buckle: The white of the eye is known as the sclera. During scleral buckle surgery, a tiny, flexible silicone band is inserted onto the sclera. The function of the band is to help your retina reattach by gently intending the sclera toward the detached retina. The buckle is usually left in place but may need to be removed later on. Scleral buckling surgery is performed in a hospital and the eye is anaesthetised fully. The surgeon will also apply laser or freezing treatment to repair holes or tears in the retina.
   
3. Vitrectomy: Vitrectomy surgery involves careful removal of vitreous from the eye. The surgeon will also apply laser or freezing treatment to repair holes or tears in the retina. A gas or replacement fluid like silicone oil may be injected in place of the vitreous. If silicone oil is used, it may need to be removed a few months later.

Recovery from retinal detachment surgery

Immediately following surgery, eye discomfort may persist. Depending upon what happens, the eyelid may feel dry. Eye drops are used to prevent infections. Your vision can get blurred a few days or even weeks after surgery. The ophthalmlogist will determine the activities you must avoid immediately after surgery. It may vary by type of surgery. It’s likewise determined by your work experience or job type. If a patient has surgery, he/she must tell the ophthalmologist.

Prevention of retinal detachment

Regular eye checkups can be very helpful when checking your vision. Often trauma occurs when the retinas are detached. The use of protective eyewear for work and play can be helpful in preventing an eye accident. If your vision is affected by flashes or floats, your eye doctor may suggest the procedure. Not everyone with retina needs to have treatment. Treatment of retinal tears or holes may involve laser or cryoscopes.

Conclusion

Retinal detachment is a vision threatening eye emergency. A comprehensive dilated eye exam by an ophthalmologist can detect retinal tear or localised detachment. If the detachment is caught early, there is a better chance of the treatment options working.

Dr Parth Shah is an ophthalmologist known for his excellence in providing treatment to all eye conditions, including retinal detachment. He is thorough in his knowledge of modern techniques and implements them through individualised treatment for all of his patients.