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retna, retnal
Other Names
Detached retina, and retinal tear.
What is retinal detachment?
The retina is the light-sensitive layer of tissue that lines the
inside of the eye and sends visual messages through the optic nerve
to the brain. When the retina detaches, it is lifted or pulled from
its normal position. If not promptly treated, retinal
detachment can cause permanent vision loss.
In some cases there may be small areas of the retina that are
torn. These areas, called retinal tears or retinal breaks, can lead
to retinal detachment.
What are the symptoms of retinal detachment?
Symptoms include a sudden or gradual increase in the number of
floaters and/or light flashes in the eye or the appearance of a
curtain over the field of vision. A retinal detachment is a
medical emergency. Anyone experiencing the symptoms of a retinal
detachment should see an eye care professional immediately.
What are the different types of retinal detachment?
There are three different types of retinal detachment:
Rhegmatogenous [reg-ma-TAH-jenous] -- A tear or break in
the retina causes it to separate from the retinal pigment
epithelium (RPE), the pigmented cell layer that nourishes the
retina, and fill with fluid. These types of retinal detachments
are the most common.
Tractional -- In this type of detachment, scar tissue on
the retina's surface contracts and causes it to separate from the
RPE. This type of detachment is less common.
Exudative -- Frequently caused by retinal diseases,
including inflammatory disorders and injury/trauma to the eye. In
this type, fluid leaks into the area underneath the retina
(subretina).
Who is at risk for retinal detachment?
Although anyone can experience a retinal detachment, people with
certain eye conditions are at increased risk. Some examples of these
conditions include posterior vitreous detachment, lattice
degeneration, x-linked retinoschisis, degenerative myopia, and
uveitis. Injuries to the eye or head can also cause retinal
detachment.
How is retinal detachment treated?
Small holes and tears are treated with laser surgery or a freeze
treatment called cryopexy. These procedures are usually performed in
the doctor's office. During laser surgery tiny burns are made around
the hole to "weld" the retina back to into place. Cryopexy is a
similar procedure that freezes the area around the hole.
Retinal detachments are treated with surgery that may require the
patient to stay in the hospital. In some cases a scleral buckle, a
tiny synthetic band, is attached to the outside of the eyeball to
gently push the wall of the eye against the detached retina. If
necessary, a vitrectomy may also be performed to treat more severe
cases. During a vitrectomy, the doctor makes a tiny incision in the
sclera (white of the eye). Next, a small instrument is placed into
the eye to remove the vitreous. Salt solution is then injected to
into the eye to replace the vitreous.
Early treatment can usually improve the vision of most patients
with retinal detachment. Some patients, however, will need more than
one procedure to repair the damage.
Keeping on Top of Your Condition
Keeping in tune with your disease or condition not only makes treatment less intimidating but also increases its chance of success, and has been shown to lower a patients risk of complications. As well, as an informed patient, you are better able to discuss your condition and treatment options with your physician.
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Other Resources
The following organization may be able to provide additional
information on retinal detachment:
American Academy of Ophthalmology
P.O. Box 7424
San
Francisco, CA 94109-7424
(415) 561-8500
http://www.aao.org
Publishes
a patient brochure entitled Detached and Torn Retina.
For additional information, you may also wish to contact a local
library.
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