30/05/2025
What is Retinal Detachment?
Retinal detachment occurs when the retina β the thin, light-sensitive tissue lining the back of the eye β separates from the underlying layers that provide oxygen and nutrients. The retina is essential for vision, so when it detaches, it loses function and can lead to permanent vision loss if not treated immediately.
π Types of Retinal Detachment:
Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment (Most Common)
Caused by a tear or hole in the retina
Allows fluid to pass through and separate the retina from underlying tissue
Often occurs with aging or high myopia
Tractional Retinal Detachment
Occurs when scar tissue on the retina contracts and pulls it away
Common in diabetics with advanced diabetic retinopathy
Exudative Retinal Detachment
Caused by fluid leaking underneath the retina without any tears
Linked to conditions like inflammation, tumors, or macular degeneration
ποΈ Symptoms to Never Ignore:
Even if painless, sudden vision changes should always be treated as urgent. Watch for:
β‘ Flashes of light (especially in peripheral vision)
πΈοΈ Sudden increase in floaters (black dots or strands drifting in your vision)
π² Dark curtain or shadow moving across your vision
π Blurry or distorted central vision
These symptoms can come and go. But once the retina detaches, time is critical.
𧬠What Causes Retinal Detachment?
Aging (especially after age 50β60)
High myopia (severe nearsightedness)
Eye injury or trauma
Cataract or other eye surgery
Lattice degeneration (thin spots in the retina)
Family history of detachment
Inflammatory eye diseases
Diabetic eye complications
π₯ Diagnosis & Treatment:
Your eye doctor will use tools like:
Ophthalmoscopy: to view the retina
Ultrasound scanning: especially if the retina isnβt visible due to bleeding
Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT): detailed imaging of the retina
Treatment options include:
π¬ Laser Photocoagulation: sealing retinal tears
βοΈ Cryopexy: freezing therapy to reattach retina
πͺ‘ Scleral Buckling: using a band to push the eye wall inwards
π Vitrectomy: removing the vitreous gel and replacing it with gas or oil
In most cases, surgery is urgent and required within days or hours of diagnosis.
β
Can Retinal Detachment Be Prevented?
Not always β but you can reduce your risk with these tips:
π Regular eye exams, especially if you're nearsighted or over 50
β οΈ Report symptoms immediately β even if they seem to go away
π₯½ Wear protective eyewear during contact sports or hazardous work
π©Ί Manage chronic conditions like diabetes or hypertension
π¨βπ©βπ§βπ¦ Know your family history
π¬ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Q: Is retinal detachment painful?
π’ No. Thereβs no pain, which is why itβs so dangerous β symptoms are silent and sudden.
Q: Can it happen in both eyes?
π’ Yes, especially if youβre at high risk. If it occurs in one eye, your doctor will monitor the other eye closely.
Q: Will vision return after surgery?
π‘ It depends on the location and extent of detachment. The sooner itβs treated, the better the chances of restoring vision.
Q: Is this a condition only older people get?
π‘ While more common with age, younger people can develop it after trauma, eye surgery, or if they are severely nearsighted.
π£ If You See a Shadow, Donβt Wait.
Retinal detachment is an emergency.
At The Eye Specialist, we act fast to save your sight. If you're seeing sudden flashes, floaters, or darkness in your vision β call us now.
π011 907 2034
π1 Danie Theron street, Alberante, Alberton 1449