When your retina at the back of the eye separates from the tissue underneath it, you have retinal detachment. This is a serious emergency condition because you could lose vision in that eye if not treated promptly.
The retina covers about 65% of the surface in the back of the eye. It converts the light that falls on it from the front of the eye into signals that are carried to the brain via the optic nerve. This is what makes us see. A damaged retina will therefore prevent or at least diminish our ability to see properly.
Sometimes a retina can tear (usually due to physical injury) but this is not the same as retinal detachment, although retinal detachment can result from a retinal tear. In retinal detachment, the retina literally separates (or come loose) from the underlying tissue and then no longer receives blood with the oxygen and nourishment it needs. Detachment can happen without warning.
Who is at risk?
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- Are you severely near-sighted?
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- Have you had an eye injury or cataract surgery before?
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- Have you had a previous retinal detachment?
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- Do you have a family history of retinal detachment?
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- Have you had eye diseases or disorders before?
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- Are you getting on in years?
If you answered “yes” to any of the above, then you are more likely to get a retinal detachment than other people and you should be aware of the symptoms.
What causes retinal detachment?
When the gel-like material (called the vitreous) that fills the inside of your eye shrinks or contracts, it can pull on the retina, causing it to tear and then detach. Other causes are injuries to the eyes and diseases such as advanced diabetes or inflammatory eye disorders.
How to know if you have retinal detachment
As a detached retina is not at all painful, you have to look out for other symptoms, namely when you see:
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- Flashes of light (when there aren’t any)
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- Small flecks or threads floating in your vision
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- When the outer sides or any other part of your vision seems dark or as if a curtain hangs over it.
When you have any of these symptoms, you should see an eye specialist immediately. The eye specialist will dilate your eyes to see if the retina has detached. He or she will use an ophthalmoscope to examine your eyes or use ultrasonography to see a picture of your eye on a monitor.
Treatment for retinal detachment
Treatment for a detached retina usually involves surgery to re-attach the retina. Your eye specialist will explain what this involves once he or she has decided on the appropriate treatment for you.
General eye care prevent eye problems
Although it is not normally possible to prevent retinal detachment, general eye care can help keep your eyes healthy. Therefore, have an eye check every year or more often when you suffer from diabetes or high blood pressure. Also make sure that you use the proper eye protection for your sport or job.
Sources
http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu
http://www.mayoclinic.com
http://www.medicinenet.com
http://www.webmd.com