What is Retinal Detachment?

Retinal detachment is a serious eye condition in which the retina, the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye, pulls away from its normal position. This separation prevents the retina from functioning properly, leading to vision impairment or blindness if left untreated. Common causes include aging, trauma, or underlying conditions like severe myopia. Early detection and prompt treatment are crucial to preventing permanent vision loss.

Retinal Detachment Symptoms

Recognizing the early warning signs of retinal detachment is crucial for timely medical intervention. Symptoms may develop suddenly or progressively, and they vary based on the extent and location of detachment. Below are some of the key indicators:

Flashes of Light (Photopsia)

One of the most common symptoms of retinal detachment is experiencing brief flashes of light, known as photopsia. These flashes typically occur in the extreme peripheral vision and are unrelated to external light sources. They may appear as sudden, bright flickers, resembling lightning streaks. While occasional flashes can be harmless, persistent or increasing occurrences may signal a retinal tear or detachment.

Sudden Increase in Floaters

Floaters are small, shadowy specks or thread-like shapes that move across your field of vision. While floaters are common with aging, a sudden and dramatic increase in their number could indicate retinal detachment. This happens when the vitreous gel inside the eye pulls away from the retina, sometimes leading to tears or breaks. Seeking immediate medical attention is recommended if new floaters appear alongside flashes of light.

Ring of Floaters Near Central Vision

In some cases, people experience a concentration of floaters forming a ring-like pattern near the temporal side of their central vision. This symptom may be an early warning sign of a retinal tear before full detachment occurs. If left untreated, it can progress to severe vision impairment.

Curtain or Shadow Over Vision

A significant symptom of retinal detachment is the appearance of a dark shadow or curtain descending over part of the visual field. This shadow may begin at the sides (peripheral vision) and gradually move toward the center, obstructing sight. It may also feel as though a veil is covering parts of the vision. This symptom usually indicates a progressing retinal detachment, requiring immediate medical intervention.

Veil-Like Effect in the Field of Vision

Another striking symptom is the impression of a veil or curtain being drawn over the field of vision. This may occur suddenly or progress gradually, worsening over time. The severity depends on how much of the retina is affected. If ignored, this can lead to irreversible blindness.

Distorted Vision (Metamorphopsia)

Retinal detachment can cause straight lines to appear bent, wavy, or distorted. This distortion occurs due to the retinal layers shifting from their normal position, affecting how light is processed. People may struggle to read, recognize faces, or see fine details. If macular involvement occurs, distortion may be severe and permanent if left untreated.

Loss of Central Vision

As retinal detachment progresses, central vision may become blurry or disappear entirely. This happens when detachment spreads toward the macula, the part of the retina responsible for sharp, detailed vision. The extent of vision loss depends on the severity and duration of detachment. If the macula becomes fully detached, surgery must be performed urgently to restore vision, though full recovery may not always be possible.

Causes of Retinal Detachment

Retinal detachment can occur due to various underlying conditions and risk factors. The most common retinal detachment causes include severe myopia (nearsightedness), ocular trauma, previous eye surgeries, and diabetic retinopathy. Identifying these risk factors early can help prevent retinal separation and protect long-term vision. Below are some of the major causes:

Myopia (Nearsightedness) and Retinal Detachment

Severe myopia is a significant risk factor for retinal detachment. In individuals with high myopia, the eyeball is elongated, stretching the retina and making it thinner and more fragile. This increases the likelihood of retinal tears and lattice retinal degeneration, which can lead to retinal separation. Regular eye checkups are crucial for people with high myopia to monitor retinal health.

Previous Cataract Surgery and Retinal Detachment

People who have undergone cataract surgery may have an increased risk of retinal detachment. During surgery, the natural lens is removed and replaced with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). In some cases, this process can cause vitreous detachment, leading to retinal tears or exudative retinal detachment due to fluid accumulation. Patients who experience sudden retinal detachment eye flashes or floaters after cataract surgery should seek immediate medical attention.

Ocular Trauma and Retinal Separation

Ocular trauma, including sports injuries, blunt force impacts, or accidents, can result in retinal detachment. A direct blow to the eye can cause the retina to tear or detach completely. Athletes and individuals in high-risk professions should use protective eyewear to minimize the chances of traumatic retinal detachment.

Lattice Retinal Degeneration and Retinal Detachment

Lattice retinal degeneration is a condition where the peripheral retina becomes thinner and more vulnerable to tears. This degeneration is common in individuals with high myopia and can lead to spontaneous retinal detachment. Regular eye exams, including retinal detachment vision simulator tests, can help detect early signs of lattice degeneration and prevent serious complications.

A Family History of Retinal Detachment

Genetics play a role in retinal detachment causes, as individuals with a family history of the condition are at higher risk. Certain inherited conditions, such as Stickler syndrome or Marfan syndrome, weaken retinal structures, increasing the chances of retinal separation. If there is a history of retinal detachment in the family, routine screenings are recommended to monitor retinal health.

Diabetic Retinopathy and Retinal Detachment

Diabetes-related eye conditions, such as diabetic retinopathy, can lead to tractional retinal detachment. In advanced cases, abnormal blood vessels and scar tissue form on the retina, pulling it away from the back of the eye. This type of retinal detachment progresses gradually and may cause distorted vision, dark shadows, or central vision loss. Managing blood sugar levels and undergoing regular diabetic eye screenings can help prevent retinal separation.

What are the Risk Factors of Retinal Detachment?

Here are some of the many risk factors of retinal detachment:

Several risk factors increase the likelihood of developing retinal detachment. While some people may have a genetic predisposition, others may develop it due to injuries or underlying conditions. Below are the key risk factors:

History of Retinal Detachment in One Eye

People who have had retinal detachment in one eye are at a higher risk of developing it in the other eye. Regular monitoring and timely intervention can help prevent further complications.

History of Eye Surgeries (e.g., Cataract Removal)

Individuals who have undergone cataract surgery or other intraocular procedures are more susceptible to retinal detachment. Surgical interventions can sometimes lead to vitreous detachment, increasing the chances of a retinal tear.

Aging as a Risk Factor

Age-related changes in the vitreous gel inside the eye can contribute to retinal separation. As people age, the vitreous shrinks and may pull away from the retina, causing tears that lead to detachment. The risk is significantly higher after the age of 50.

Severe Eye Injury and Retinal Detachment

Blunt trauma or penetrating injuries to the eye can cause retinal detachment by tearing the retina. Individuals involved in contact sports, high-impact activities, or accidents should take precautions to protect their eyes.

Family History of Retinal Detachment

Genetics play a role in retinal detachment causes. If a close family member has experienced retinal detachment, the likelihood of developing the condition is higher. Routine eye checkups are essential for early detection.

Myopia (Nearsightedness) and Retinal Detachment

People with high myopia (extreme nearsightedness) have elongated eyeballs, which stretch and thin the retina. This makes them more prone to lattice retinal degeneration and spontaneous retinal detachment.

Underlying Eye Disorders and Diseases

Individuals with pre-existing eye conditions such as uveitis, lattice degeneration, retinoschisis, or Coats’ disease are at greater risk of retinal detachment. These diseases weaken retinal structures, making them more vulnerable to separation.

Retinal Detachment Prevention

Preventing retinal detachment is crucial, especially for individuals at higher risk due to factors like myopia, previous eye surgeries, or systemic conditions like diabetes. While not all cases of retinal separation can be avoided, the following preventive measures can help reduce the risk:

Avoid Direct and Indirect Eye Injuries

Eye trauma is a significant cause of retinal detachment, especially in people engaged in contact sports, hazardous jobs, or high-impact activities. To minimize the risk:

Wear protective eyewear while playing sports like boxing, basketball, or racquetball.
Use safety goggles when working in environments with flying debris or chemicals.
Avoid rubbing the eyes aggressively, as excessive force can strain the retina.
After an eye injury, seek immediate medical evaluation to rule out retinal tears or detachment.

Regular Eye Checkups

Routine eye examinations are vital for detecting early signs of retinal detachment, especially in individuals with high myopia, family history of retinal detachment, or pre-existing retinal conditions like lattice degeneration.

People over 40 or those with risk factors should have an annual dilated eye exam.
If experiencing retinal detachment eye flashes, sudden floaters, or vision distortions, consult an ophthalmologist immediately.
Retinal detachment vision simulator tests can help patients understand potential vision changes and take preventive action.

Controlling Systemic Risk Factors and Diseases (e.g., Diabetes)

Systemic conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure increase the likelihood of tractional retinal detachment due to abnormal blood vessel growth. To minimize risk:

Maintain optimal blood sugar levels to prevent diabetic retinopathy.
Manage high blood pressure and cholesterol through lifestyle modifications.
Follow a healthy diet rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids, which support retinal health.

When to See a Doctor

Knowing when to seek medical attention can prevent vision loss and ensure timely intervention. You should see an eye doctor immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms:

Emergency Signs of Retinal Detachment

Sudden flashes of light (photopsia) in peripheral vision.
A sudden increase in floaters, appearing like black spots or cobwebs in your vision.
A dark shadow or curtain-like effect spreading across your vision.
Distorted vision, where straight lines appear wavy or bent.
Blurred or complete loss of central vision, especially if associated with eye conditions like exudative retinal detachment.

Routine Checkups Recommended If You Have

High myopia (extreme nearsightedness), which increases the risk of retinal separation.
A family history of retinal detachment, requiring preventive monitoring.
Previous eye surgeries (e.g., cataract removal), which can lead to vitreous detachment.
Diabetes or hypertension, increasing the risk of tractional retinal detachment.
Ocular trauma, as even minor injuries can cause retinal damage over time.

While retinal detachment is a serious eye condition, early detection and preventive measures can help protect vision. Regular checkups, protective habits, and proper disease management are essential for those at risk. If you experience any warning signs like flashes, floaters, or vision distortion, consult an eye specialist immediately for evaluation and treatment.

Retinal Detachment Treatment & Diagnosis

To treat a serious eye condition like retinal detachment, you must get medical care for retina from the best eye care professionals. The experts of Dr Agarwals Eye Hosptial offers comprehensive care for all types of retinal detachment – rhegmatogenous retinal detachment and tractional retinal detachment.

Visit Dr Agarwals Eye Hospital anytime for diagnosis, treatment, and after care to get effective results!

Retinal Detachment Diagnosis

Since retinal detachment is a serious eye condition, our professional doctors conduct a detailed examination to test your eye condition. To examine your eyes, our eye specialists perform the following non-invasive tests:

Dilated Eye Exam

The eye doctor will put some eye drops in your eyes that widen the pupil. With this test, eye doctors have clear visibility of back of your eyes to analyse the retinal condition.

Ocular Ultrasound

For this test, there is no need for eye drops to dilate the pupil of your eyes. However, eye care professionals may use some drops to numb your eyes to avoid irritation or discomfort. Here are the steps involved:
Step 1: In this test, they place an instrument against your eye to scan it.
Step 2: After that, you need to sit with your eyes closed, and they pour some gel on the probe
Step 3: In the next step, you move your eyeballs and doctors scan using this to visualise your eye structure.

Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)

For this imaging test, your doctor puts in some eye drops for examining retina to dilate your eyes. During this test, OCT machine scans your eyes to locate any changes in your retinal layers.
Whether you have retinal detachment symptoms in one or both eyes, our eye care specialists examine both of your eyes at Dr Agarwals Eye Hospital. You may need to visit us again if it is not detected during your visit. Meanwhile, if you develop any other symptoms or experience any difficulty in your eyes, show up to your doctor immediately.

Retinal Detachment Treatment

If there are warning signs of a detached retina and your doctor successfully diagnoses it, they suggest retinal surgeries. Depending on the type (rhegmatogenous retinal detachment treatment and tractional retinal detachment treatment) and severity of the retinal detachment, the professionals of Dr Agarwal’s Eye Hospital suggest the following retinal detachment surgery options for retinal detachment management:

Retinal Laser Photocoagulation and Cryopexy

This is an effective laser surgery for retina tear treatment. Before performing this retina surgery, the eye surgeons numb your eyes with anaesthetic eye drops. In the next step, doctors focus the laser beam on the retinal detachment or tear. Laser beam scars the area around the retinal tissue that helps seal or reattach the retina to its place.
Under the cryopexy technique, the eye surgeons use a freezing probe over the retinal tear to create a scar. The eye surgeons may need to create scars multiple times to secure the retinal connections and keep them in the correct place. During this procedure, you may feel a cold sensation.

Pneumatic Retinopexy

This treatment option is effective for retinal detachment fixation and helps restore your vision. In pneumatic retinopexy surgery, eye surgeons inject a gas or air bubble into the central part of the eyes called the vitreous cavity.
They carefully position the bubble that pushes it against the retinal hole and ceases the fluid flow. This fluid later gets absorbed, and the retina sticks to its original position. To seal this retinal break, there may be a need for cryopexy.
As a precaution, you may need to position your head in a certain position to hold the bubble in place till the retina stays in its original position.

Scleral Buckling

Your eye doctor performs scleral buckling procedures under local or general anaesthesia. During this rhegmatogenous retinal detachment cure, the surgeons use suturing silicone material to the sclera (white part of the eye) over the retinal breakage.
If multiple retinal tears exist, your surgeon places a silicone buckle covering your eyes like a band. Neither can you see this band, nor does it block your vision and stays intact forever.

Vitrectomy

In this surgical procedure, your doctor removes the vitreous fluid and places an air, gas, or oil bubble into that vacant space to push the retina back to its place. Your body reabsorbs this fluid, and this your body fluid refills the vitreous space.
However, if the surgeons use an oil bubble, surgical intervention may be needed to remove that bubble.

How to Take Care After Retinal Detachment Surgery?

Following retina operation, you must take care of the below mentioned things for better recovery:

After the retinal detachment surgery procedure, avoid indulging in heavy physical activities like working out.
Position your head as directed by your eye care professional.
Wear eye protection glasses for a certain time to avoid any injury or exposure to dirt and dust. The duration may last from one week to two months.
Avoid touching your eyes irrelevantly to prevent the risk of infection.
Adhere to the eye drops prescription and use it as advised to heal your eyes faster.

Retinal detachment is a severe eye condition in which you don’t feel pain or discomfort in its early stages. To identify eye-related problems timely, frequent eye check-ups are crucial. Sometimes, some eye problem symptoms may go unnoticed and worsen later. Surgical management of retinal detachment is extremely crucial.

We at Dr Agarwals Eye Hospital provide comprehensive treatment for various eye diseases. The diseases are listed here:

Cataract

Diabetic Retinopathy

Corneal Ulcer (Keratitis)

Fungal Keratitis

Macular Hole

Retinopathy Prematurity

Pterygium or Surfers Eye

Blepharitis

Nystagmus

Allergic Conjunctivitis

Cornea Transplantation

Behcets Disease

Computer Vision Syndrome

Hypertensive Retinopathy

Mucormycosis / Black Fungus

To prevent various eye problems, our treatment or surgery options include the following:

Glued IOL

PDEK

Oculoplasty

Pneumatic Retinopexy (PR)

Cornea Transplantation

Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK)

Pinhole Pupilloplasty

Paediatric Ophthalmology

Cryopexy

Refractive Surgery

Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL)

Dry Eye Treatment

Neuro Ophthalmology

Anti VEGF Agents

Retinal Laser Photocoagulation

Vitrectomy

Scleral Buckle

Laser Cataract Surgery

Lasik Surgery

Black Fungus Treatment & Diagnosis

In case of any difficulty or any symptoms, head towards Dr Agarwals Eye Hospital immediately.

With a well-versed team of professionals and highly skilled eye doctors, we use the latest tools and technologies for effective eye treatment. We offer top-notch facilities and a safe & secure environment to our patients.

Book your appointment today at Dr Agarwal’s6 Eye Hospital to protect your vision or cure vision difficulty!