Retinal
DetachmentIntroduction The retina, which is like
a wall paper lining in the back of the eye, can
get detached. This is a medical emergency as this needs to be repaired
as soon as possible to prevent permanent blindness. Retinal detachment can occur
as a result of a tear
or as a result of traction
from scarring or proliferative retinopathy.
An
underlying tear could be from myopia, could be following trauma to the eye or
after cataract surgery. Retinal detachment from traction is commonly seen with
proliferative diabetic retinopathy, following severe cases of uveitis, or tumors
in the choroidal layer behind the retina where the blood vessels are located.
Signs and Symptoms There is no pain with this condition.
Initially there might be dark floaters or flashes of light. Suddenly there might
be a lack of vision following an experience that a "curtain dropped down".
Diagnostic Tests The eye specialist will use direct
and indirect ophthalmoscopy to evaluate this complex three-dimensional occurrence.
B-scan ultrasonography helps the eye specialist to locate the detachment and to
delineate the size of it. Treatment Depending on
what the eye surgeon finds, there are a number
of procedures available for the repair of a retinal detachment. Pneumatic
retinopexy is a method where a gas bubble is introduced into the
vitreous body. This pushes the detached retina up against the wall of the eye
ball and subsequently the retina is "spotwelded" with the help of laser
surgery so that a reoccurrence of the detachment is unlikely.
Vitrectomy
is a surgical method where the vitreous body is removed. Ultimately
the eye specialist will know best what is required in a specific case.
|
