Talking About Optometry For Kids

Don't Let A Detached Retina Rob You Of Your Sight

15 December 2020

Amelia Dunn

A detached retina is a serious eye condition that requires immediate attention by an eye care specialist. Without treatment, it can result in vision loss in the affected eye. Here's an overview of retinal detachment and what you should be on the lookout for so you can seek help from your eye care center at the first sign. 

About the Retina

The retina is a thin tissue that lines the back of the eye. It is made of layers of specialized cells called photoreceptors. It focuses the light entering the eye, changes it to an electrical signal, and sends it to the optic nerve. The optic nerve then sends the signal to the brain for visual recognition. Certain events or conditions can cause it to separate from the back wall, which is called a retinal detachment.

Causes of Retinal Detachment

There are three main types of retinal detachment, which are categorized by their cause: rhegmatogenous, tractional, or exudative.

• Rhegmatogenous, the most common type of detachment, is caused by a tear in the retina, which lets fluid from the eye leak through and collect behind the retina. This can cause the retina to separate from the wall of the eye. Retinal tears can occur due to aging or degeneration of the retinal tissue or from trauma.
• Tractional detachments are caused when scar tissue forms on the retina and pulls the retina away from the wall. It's often caused by diabetes or other health issues.
• Exudative detachments occur due to inflammation of the blood vessels in the eye. The inflamed vessels leak fluid, which collects behind the retina and pulls it from the wall.

Signs of a Detached Retina

A detached retina no longer functions properly and can cause obvious vision abnormalities. You may see a sudden appearance of many black flecks (called floaters) moving across your field of vision. Flashes of light, blurriness, gradual reduction in your peripheral vision, or a shadow over part of your field of vision are other symptoms of detachment. The severity of the tear or detachment will influence the severity of the symptoms.

Retinal Detachment Treatment

Fortunately, a detached retina can be treated if you act quickly. See your ophthalmologist, who will perform an eye exam to determine the severity and course of action. Typically, surgery is performed to reattach the retina, or freezing is done to repair a tear (or a combination of the two).

The earlier a detached retina is addressed, the better the outcome. Never postpone seeing your eye care specialist or you could suffer permanent vision impairment or even blindness in the affected eye. Contact an eye care center for more information. 

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