What is retinal detachment?
Usually the retina is attached
to the inner surface of the eye. If there is a tear or hole in the retina
then fluid can get underneath. This weakens the attachment so that the
retina becomes detached - rather like wallpaper peeling off a damp wall.
When this happens the retina cannot compose a clear picture from the
incoming rays and your vision becomes blurred and dim.
Who is more likely to suffer?
Detachment of the retina
happens more to middle aged, short sighted people. However, it is quite
uncommon and only about one person in ten thousand is affected. Very
rarely, younger people can have a weakness of the retina, or it can be
detached as a result of a blow to the head.
What are the symptoms?
The most common symptom is a
shadow spreading across the vision of one eye. One may also experience
bright flashes of light and/or showers of dark spots called floaters.
These symptoms are never painful. Many people experience flashes or
floaters and these are not necessarily a cause for alarm. However, if they
are severe and seem to be getting worse, and/or vision is being lost, a
doctor should be seen urgently. Prompt treatment can often minimise the
damage to the eye.
What is the treatment?
With early help, it may only be
necessary to have laser or freezing treatment. This is usually performed
under a local anaesthetic. Often however, an operation to repair the hole
in the retina will be needed. This is usually done under a general
anaesthetic and can be repaired in a single operation in 90% of cases.
This does not usually cause pain, but the eye will be sore and swollen
afterwards. The patient will usually need to stay in hospital for two or
three days after the operation.
Can retinal detachment be
prevented?
If your family has a history of
retinal detachment, or your doctor finds a weakness in your retina then
preventive laser or freezing treatment may be needed. In most cases
however it is not possible to take preventive action. Retinal detachment
does not happen as a result of straining your eyes, bending or heavy
lifting.
This
factsheet is designed to give you a very brief introduction
to the subject and has been produced by the Eyecare
Trust.
