The back of your eye contains a thin lining called the retina, which sends the signals to your brain that allow you to see. However, in some instances, the retina will suddenly pull away from the blood vessels that supply it with its nutrients and oxygen. This is commonly known as retinal detachment which can cause blindness.
A detached retina is one of the most severe retina problems and happens when the thin layer at the back of your eye loosens and lifts away. It is relatively rare and mainly affects older people, typically from the age of 60 and above. Retinopathy is the term used to describe any retinal damage, including a torn retina or a detached retina.
Several warning signs can help you identify if you have retina problems and are at risk of losing your sight as a result of retinal detachment. Symptoms of retinal detachment include:
Retinal detachment tends to only happen in one eye. The chance of it occurring in both eyes are one in ten. Whether it's one eye or two, if you experience any symptoms, it's best to seek medical attention and immediately go to see your doctor.
Retinal tears can lead to retinal detachment, and a torn retina can have the same symptoms of retinal detachment.
There are three types of retinal detachment, each of which are caused by different factors.
Lattice degeneration can also lead to retinal detachment as it weakens the retina and as a result can cause tears and holes which can develop into a retinal detachment.
Injury of the eye is a less common cause of retinal detachment. Boxers often succumb to detachments when given harsh blows to the eye. Previous eye surgery, such as cataract removal, may also make the retina more vulnerable to damage.
The most common cause of retinal detachment is ageing. The retina becomes thinner and more brittle over time and may detach from the blood vessels beneath. The nerves send signals to the brain, which allow you to see. If a substantial amount of blood deprives the nerves, the nerve cells die, which can result in loss of sight.
You cannot prevent retinal detachment as most cases of retinal detachment are the result of ageing.
You can prevent a retinal detachment caused by direct trauma to the eye by taking certain precautions. Precautions include protecting your eyes with the appropriate eyewear when playing sports or carrying out other activities that could pose a threat to your eyes and cause retinal damage.
In addition to taking precautions when playing sports, there are several ways to protect your retina and improve its health. This includes the following:
Retinal detachments cannot heal on their own. You should treat them immediately.
A detached retina can lead to permanent vision loss if left untreated. It is, therefore, a serious matter.
If your GP suspects you have a retinal detachment, they will refer you to an ophthalmologist who will examine your eyes for signs of retinal damage or detachment. They may use an ophthalmoscope or go one step further with an ultrasound scan if needed.
Surgery is often required to reattach loose retinas, and most treatments are successful. Surgery can be done under general and local anaesthetic depending on the doctor’s and the patient's personal preference.
Depending on the individual and the scale of the retina problems, there are several different surgeries available, including:
Recovery ranges from a few weeks to many months, during which time you are likely to experience reduced vision initially, which should improve as you heal. Some people may experience reduced peripheral or central vision, even if the retina is attached again.
Leaking fluid, and feelings of stickiness and itchiness around the eye are normal after surgery.
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Disclaimer: The advice in this article is for informational purposes only and does not replace medical care or an in-person check-up. Please check with an eyecare professional before purchasing any products or remedies. For information on our article review process, please refer to our Editorial Policy.