Retinal Detachment

The retina is a thin membranous layer of nerve cells at the back of the eye. The retina sends signals to the brain based on the nature of the light entering the eye from which we know the shape of the object. This function does not work if there is a Retinal Detachment. It causes the retinal cells to separate from the layer of blood vessels that supply them with oxygen and nutrients. In most cases, a hole or tear occurs in the retina that allows fluid to pass through it. This fluid building up pulls away the retina from the underlying tissues. It leads to the stopping of blood supply to the retina.

Symptoms

Blurred vision.
Loss of vision.
The sudden appearance of lots of floaters in your vision field.
Abrupt Light flashes in one or both eyes.
A persistent curtain-like shadow, partially over your field of vision.
The quick loss of borderline vision.

Causes

The most common cause is aging. As you age, the amount of vitreous (a gel-like substance that coats the inside of your eye) can change, causing the retina to shift out of place. In many cases, as scar tissue grows on the surface of the retina, it detaches from the membrane that borders the eye. It can be due to various other reasons. Long-term untreated retinal detachment increases the risk of vision loss. It is a severe medical condition and needs prompt medical care.

Treatment

Surgery is the mainstay treatment for retinal detachment. Some types of detached retina surgery include

Vitrectomy: The vitreous pulling on the retina is removed and replaced either with oil , gas or air bubble. The bubble pushes back the retina in its place so that it can heal properly. In case oil bubble is used, it is removed after a few months
Scleral buckle: A band of rubber or soft plastic is sewn to the outside of eyeball which gently presses the eye inward. This helps the detached retina heal against the eye wall. It is usually left on the eye permanently and not visible.
Pneumatic retinopexy: A gas bubble is pushed into the eye followed by a appropriate positioning depending upon the location of the tear or hole, so that the retina is pushed back to its place and healing occurs