How Do I Care for Retinal Detachment?

A retinal detachment can lead to very serious medical problems without prompt medical attention from a trained physician. A detached retina that goes untreated can lead to some vision loss in part of your eye. Without full vision, you would have difficult time completing normal tasks such as driving, reading or watching television.

Instructions

• 1

  Visit your eye doctor immediately if you feel you might have a retinal detachment. The only effective treatment will be surgery, but there are things you can do before and after surgery to help care for the retinal detachment. Even with prompt treatment, permanent damage can be done, and you will probably have blurred vision for at least a few weeks after surgery.

• 2

  Avoid driving. When you have a detached retina, you should not be driving. Carpool with neighbors or co-workers, or use public transportation.

• 3

  Talk with your eye doctor about special glasses to optimize your vision if you have permanent damage from your detached retina. These glasses are available through your eye doctor.

• 4

  Use plenty of light when doing activities such as reading or other tasks that involve clear vision. Brighter lighting can help you see better even if you've suffered permanent damage from a detached retina.

• 5

  Make your home safer. After surgery, your vision will be blurred and it might never return to normal. So eliminate common hazards, such as throw rugs, loose cords and other things you could trip over.