Retinal Detachment

Retinal Detachment

This threatening eye condition happens when your retina, a layer of tissue at the back of your eye that processes light, pulls away from the tissue around it. Since the retina can't work properly when this happens, you could have permanent vision loss if you don’t get it treated right away.

Who's at Risk?

• High myopia (Above -4.00)

• Eye Injury

• Cataract Surgery

• Family History of retinal problems

Causes

• A tear or hole in the retina (this is the most common cause)

• A fluid build-up under the retina caused by an eye injury or trauma

• Scar tissue within the eye that can pull the retina

Treatments

• Laser (thermal) or freezing (cryopexy). Both methods can repair a tear if it is diagnosed early enough. The procedures are often done in the doctor's office.

Pneumatic retinopexy. This works well for a tear that’s small and easy to close. The doctor injects a tiny gas bubble into the vitreous, a clear, gel-like substance between the lens and retina. It rises and presses against the upper part of the retina, closing the tear.