Retinal Detachment
Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatments
What is Retinal Detachment ?
Retinal detachment is when the thin lining at the back of a person’s eye begins to pull away from the blood vessels that supply it with oxygen and nutrients. Without prompt treatment, the condition can lead to blindness in the affected eye. Retinal detachment is most often the result of the retina becoming thinner and more brittle with age. It can also be caused by a direct injury to the eye. It is a rare condition, one in every 10,000 people will develop a new case in any given year. As it is associated with aging, most people are affected between the ages of 50 and 75.
Symptoms
In most instances there are noticeable retinal detachment symptoms that indicate the retina is at risk of detaching before loss of sight. These include;
- A sudden increase in floaters
- Flashes of light
- A shadow or curtain moving across your field of vision
Diagnosis
Diagnosed urgently through a dilated retinal examination.
Treatments
- Surgical repair — several techniques are available depending on the type and extent of detachment
Outcomes
Outcomes depend heavily on how quickly treatment is received, urgent care gives the best chance of preserving vision.