Retinal Detachment

What is a Retinal Detachment? A retinal detachment occurs when the retina—the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye—peels away from its normal position. This detachment disrupts the flow of oxygen and nutrients to the retina, potentially leading to permanent vision loss if not promptly treated.

Causes of Retinal Detachments: Several factors can contribute to retinal detachments, including:

• Age-related changes such as retinal thinning and degeneration
• Trauma or injury to the eye
• Eye surgeries or procedures
• Family history of retinal detachment
• Severe nearsightedness (myopia)
• Previous retinal detachment in one eye

Symptoms of Retinal Detachments: Recognizing the signs of a retinal detachment is crucial for seeking immediate medical attention. Symptoms may include:

• Sudden appearance of floaters (dark spots or lines) in your field of vision
• Flashes of light, especially in peripheral vision
• Blurred vision
• Shadow or curtain-like effect obscuring part of your visual field

Diagnosis and Treatment: Prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent permanent vision loss. At Retinal Consultants of Delmarva, our experienced retina specialists utilize advanced diagnostic tools and techniques to assess and treat retinal detachments. Diagnosis typically involves a comprehensive eye examination, including pupil dilation and imaging tests such as optical coherence tomography (OCT) and ultrasound.

Treatment options for retinal detachments may include:

• Laser surgery (laser photocoagulation) to seal retinal tears
• Cryopexy, a freezing technique to repair retinal tears
• Scleral buckle surgery to reattach the retina
• Vitrectomy, a surgical procedure to remove vitreous gel and repair the retina

At Retina Consultants of Delmarva, we are dedicated to preserving your vision and providing personalized care for retinal conditions such as detachments. If you experience any symptoms of a retinal detachment or have concerns about your eye health, don't hesitate to schedule a consultation with our experienced retina specialists. Your vision is our priority.