Retinal Detachment: Procedure, Treatment, & Benefits

What is Retinal Detachment?

The separation of the retina from its attachment to the underlying tissue in the eye is called a retinal detachment. Retinal detachments do not result from injury but are due to pre-existing elements like high levels of myopia, ocular surgery earlier, and other eye conditions.

The initial symptoms of a retinal detachment include floating lights and floaters preceding the break itself. Early diagnosis and treatment from our eye doctor in Glendale are essential because it results in better visual improvement when the retina undergoes repairs before the detachment of the central area of the macula. Surgery for repairing a retinal detachment usually delivers successful outcomes.

Conditions of the eyes involving the separation of the retina from its attachments to the underlying tissue within the eye are called retinal detachments. Retinal breaks, tears, and holes are responsible for most retinal detachments. Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment is the name for retinal detachment due to breaks, holes, or tears, and the detachment doesn’t result from trauma or injury.

Most retinal breaks are spontaneous and result when the vitreous gel loosens or separates from its attachment to the retina. The vitreous is a clear gel filling two-thirds of the inside of the eye and occupying the space in front of the retina. When the vitreous gel loosens, it exerts forces on the retina, causing it to break or detach if it is weak. Retinal detachments are accompanied by bleeding in some cases if retinal blood vessels are also included in the tear. Shrinkage of the vitreous from the retina is familiar to everyone, but many people develop separation of the vitreous from the retina as they age. However, only a minor percentage of vitreous separations result in retinal tears.

Symptoms of Retinal Detachment

The initial symptoms of a retinal detachment are flashing lights and floaters. Anyone experiencing these symptoms must seek treatment from a nearby retina specialist for an examination of the retina.

During the exam, our retinal detachment Specialist in Glendale, CA, dilutes the patient’s pupils to allow for a detailed exam. The symptoms of flashing lights and floaters are often unassociated with the detachment and merely result from separating the vitreous gel and the retina.

Patients experiencing a shadow or curtain affecting part of their vision in either eye indicate that a retinal tear has advanced to a detached retina. In such cases, the patient must consult an eye doctor because time is of the essence. The goal of the eye doctor is to diagnose and treat the retinal detachment before the detachment of the macula area of the retina.

Which Doctors Treat Retinal Detachment?

An ophthalmologist specializing in diseases and surgery of the eyes performs surgery for retinal detachment. These professionals have chosen to sub-specialize in vitreoretinal surgery.

Retinal Detachment Treatment

Retinal tears are treated with laser therapy called photocoagulation or cryotherapy to prevent the progression of retinal detachment. However, in cases where retinal detachment has occurred, ophthalmologists perform three different types of surgeries which include vitrectomy, scleral buckling, and pneumatic retinopexy. The most common surgery performed for retinal detachment is called pars plana vitrectomy involving the removal of the vitreous gel of the eye. Earlier scleral buckling of the most popular treatment for retinal detachment. Physicians continue using scleral buckling in combination with pars plana vitrectomy, and the procedures are performed in a freestanding surgical center or hospital under general or local anesthesia. Overnight stay sometimes may be required at the hospital after the procedure.

In many cases, intraocular gas is placed into the vitreous after completing the surgery. The gas exerts pressure on the retina to keep attached while recovering. Over a period of days or weeks, the gas is absorbed, and the patient may receive instructions to hold their specific position to maximize the effects of the gas.

Benefits of Retinal Detachment Treatment

• The retina’s tears or holes leading to peripheral retinal detachment undoubtedly progress to complete retinal detachment and loss of vision if the problem doesn’t receive treatment. Therefore early diagnosis and treatment are critical to restoring vision before the macula becomes detached.
• The surgical repair of retinal attachment allows for successful reattachment of the retina, although multiple procedures might become necessary.
• After reattaching the retina, vision improves before stabilizing.
• Patients may confront challenges reading after successful retinal detachment surgery depending on various factors. However, retinal detachment treatment procedures are usually successful when performed early after a diagnosis.

Visit a Retina Specialist Near You

If you are experiencing the symptoms of retinal detachment and need a solution for the condition, Glendale Eye Medical Group provides successful retinal detachment therapies. Kindly do not hesitate to contact our Retina Specialist if necessary to diagnose and treat your condition.