Detached retina

Detached Retina

A detached retina is a serious eye condition that occurs when the retina, a thin layer of tissue at the back of the eye, pulls away from its normal position. This separation of the retina from the underlying tissue can lead to permanent vision loss if not treated promptly.

Causes

A detached retina can occur as a result of aging, eye injury, or an eye disorder. The most common cause is a tear or hole in the retina, which allows fluid to seep behind the retina and cause it to detach. Other causes include diabetes, high blood pressure, and inflammatory disorders.

Symptoms

Symptoms of a detached retina can include sudden onset of floaters or flashes in the eye, blurred vision, a shadow or curtain over part of the visual field, and sudden decrease in vision. These symptoms can occur gradually as the retina pulls away from the supportive tissue, or they may occur suddenly if the retina detaches immediately.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of a detached retina is made through a comprehensive eye examination. This can include visual acuity testing, a dilated eye exam, and optical coherence tomography (OCT) to image the retina. In some cases, an ultrasound of the eye may also be performed.

Treatment

Treatment for a detached retina aims to reattach the retina to the back of the eye. This can be achieved through several methods, including laser surgery, cryotherapy (freezing), pneumatic retinopexy, or scleral buckle surgery. In some cases, a vitrectomy may be performed.

Prognosis

The prognosis for a detached retina depends on the severity of the detachment, the location of the detachment, and the promptness of treatment. With early detection and treatment, it is often possible to prevent permanent vision loss.

See Also

• Eye disorders
• Vision loss
• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Inflammatory disorders

Detached retina Resources
Latest articles Most recent articles Ongoing trials	Wikipedia