Let’s begin by stating that a retinal detachment is a medical emergency. Getting immediate treatment can save your vision. We hope that gets your attention, and you will continue reading to learn the symptoms, what to do next, and how retinal detachment is treated.
What is a Retinal Detachment?
It sounds scary and it is. Your retina is located at the back of your eye, and it is highly light sensitive tissue. If it pulls away from its normal position, you can experience a retinal tear or a full retinal detachment.
A detachment usually occurs due to aging or some eye injury.
Symptoms of a Retinal Detachment
Symptoms are noticeable and usually happen suddenly. If the retina is only partly detached, there may not be any symptoms. At first your vision will not appear normal, and you won’t be able to see as clearly as usual.
If a full detachment occurs, these are the symptoms:
- A large quantity of new floaters or squiggly lines appear in your vision.
- Flashes of light will appear in one or both eyes.
- You will notice a dark shadow on the sides or center of your vision like a curtain.
If you experience these symptoms, go directly to an emergency room or call Retina Specialists of Tampa’s office right away for treatment. If not treated in a timely manner, you increase the risk of a full detachment and permanent loss of vision including blindness.
Treatment Options for a Retinal Detachment
Retina Specialists of Tampa will decide which option is best for you based on the extent of the detachment.
Laser Therapy
If only partially detached, a laser procedure can be performed at one of Retina Specialists of Tampa’s offices. During this procedure, the doctor numbs the eye and it is kept open with a painless eye guard. A laser is used to repair the retina and attach it to the back of your eye. Prescription eye drops are used to prevent swelling or infection.
A more serious detachment needs surgical intervention.
Pneumatic Retinopexy
Here Retina Specialists of Tampa inserts a gas bubble in your eye. The bubble pushes your retina back in place and keeps it there until you heal. Your eyes make vitreous fluid which in time will replace the gas bubble.
Vitrectomy
The physician removes the vitreous fluid and replaces it with air or a gas bubble. Similar to pneumatic retinopexy, the bubble pushes the retina back in place.
Scleral Buckle
A scleral buckle is a tiny piece of rubber or plastic that Retina Specialists of Tampa attaches to the outside of your eye. The buckle presses your eye inward to make the retina move back into the correct position. Patients cannot feel or see the buckle.
If you have risk factors for developing a retinal detachment like extreme myopia, diabetic retinopathy, or other retina issues, be sure to schedule regular eye examinations.
Contact Retina Specialists of Tampa at (813) 973-3333 for a dilated eye exam at least once per year; more often if you have risk factors.
