Retinal Detachment Diagnosis

According to the Mayo Clinic, retinal detachment requires immediate surgical intervention to prevent permanent vision loss. The retina is the light-sensitive tissue that lines the inside of the eye. Photoreceptors on the retina emit electrical signals to the brain. When the retina detaches, it loses its blood supply and is robbed of oxygen. If the retina is not promptly reattached it will no longer be able to function. Left untreated retinal detachment can result in permanent vision loss.

Causes

• Retinal detachment occurs when the retina is drawn away from the underlying choroid (a coating of blood vessels that provide oxygen and nutrients to the retina). There are a number of conditions that can lead to retinal detachment including advanced diabetes or inflammatory conditions including sarcoidosis (iinflammation that produces tiny lumps of cells in various organs in your body) or cytomegalovirus retinitis (an infection of the retina, located in the back of the eye). In some cases retinal detachment is the result of trauma to the eye.

Risks

• People over age 40 are more frequently diagnosed with retinal detachment. There are a number of other factors which may increase your risk. These include a history of retinal detachment either in you or a family member, previous eye surgery or serious eye trauma or injury. People who suffer from extreme nearsightedness (myopia) are more prone to retinal detachment.

Symptoms

• Although retinal detachment is a painless condition, there are several vision-related warning signs. They include sudden flashes of light in one or both eyes, blurred vision, the abrupt onset of numerous hairs or string-like spots (floaters) that appear to move in front of your eyes. There may also be the appearance of a curtain or shadow that blocks part of your vision field.

Diagnosing

• An ophthalmologist may be able to detect a retinal hole, tear or detachment by viewing your retina with an ophthalmoscope. The instrument uses a bright light and magnifying lens whereby the inside of your eyes can be seen in detail in three dimensions.

  Your doctor may use an ultrasound exam if blood in your vitreous cavity prohibits the view of your retina. This type of imaging test can typically diagnose a detached retina.

Surgery

• Laser surgery or a freeze treatment called cryopexy is often used to treat small holes and tears. These procedures can typically be performed in the doctor's office.

  Conventional retinal detachment surgery may require a hospital stay. One procedure known as a scleral buckle attaches a small synthetic band to the outside of the eyeball to softly push the wall of the eye next to the detached retina.

  Following retinal detachment surgery, your vision may be blurry for a few days and your eye may remain sore, red and swollen for several weeks.

Prognosis

• According to the National Eye Institute, more than 90 percent of people with a retinal detachment can be successfully treated. However, a second treatment may be necessary and it may take several months to determine the final vision outcome. A reattached retina is not a guarantee that normal vision will be restored.