What exactly is the retina?
The retina is a photosensitive layer (a thin membrane of neural tissue) located in the posterior part of the eye. It is where the rays of light are focused. With the help of specialized photoreceptors (rods and cones), visual information is transmitted through the optic nerve and the visual pathway to the human brain, where it is translated into an image. The area of the retina which is responsible for clear and colorful vision is the macula. The smooth functioning of the retina is crucial for the quality of vision.
What is a retinal detachment?
Retinal detachment is one of the most serious and sever eye conditions. It appears and progresses rapidly. The only way to address and face it is through immediate scheduling of surgical intervention (preferably within 24 hours, taking into account its urgent nature). If left untreated, it can lead to catastrophic scenarios for vision, including complete loss of visual fields and even total blindness. Patients should be able to recognize the symptoms of retinal detachment and ask for medical help as soon as possible.
What are the risk factors?
Conditions and environmental factors capable of leading to retinal detachment include:
- Diabetes mellitus
- Ocular trauma
- Vascular disorders
- Degenerative (very high) myopia
- High temperatures
What are the basic symptoms of a retinal detachment?
Patients may experience one or a combination of the following:
- Brief flashes of light
- Moving black floaters or shadows
- An annoying gray or black curtain, covering a part of visual fields
What are the main types of retinal detachment?
The primary forms of the condition are the following:
- Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment: This is the most common type, where a tear forms in the retina, allowing fluid to enter beneath it and causing a detachment
- Exudative or non-rhegmatogenous retinal detachment: This type is due to a vascular problem or inflammation. There are no tears, but fluid accumulates beneath the retina, leading to a detachment
- Tractional retinal detachment: This condition actually represents the final stage of diabetic retinopathy
How is retinal detachment treated?
The most effective approach for treating a retinal detachment is a special surgical procedure to restore the retina, called posterior vitrectomy. A vitrectomy is undertaken only by a specialized vitreoretinal surgeon.