Pacis Centre, Waiyaki Way
Nairobi - KENYA
Phone Number
(+254) 718 202 020
Send Your Mail
info@eyenu.com
Retinal Detachment
A detached retina is when the retina lifts away from the back of the eye. The retina does not work when it is detached, making vision blurry. A detached retina is a serious problem. An ophthalmologist needs to check it out right away, or you could lose sight in that eye.
WHO IS AT RISK FOR A RETINAL DETACHMENT?
As we get older, the vitreous in our eyes starts to shrink and get thinner. As the eye moves, the vitreous moves around on the retina without causing problems. But sometimes the vitreous may stick to the retina and pull hard enough to tear it. When that happens, fluid can pass through the tear and lift (detach) the retina.
WHO IS AT RISK FOR A RETINAL DETACHMENT?
You are more likely to have a detached retina if you:
- Need glasses to see far away (are nearsighted)
- Have had cataract, glaucoma, or other eye surgery
- Take glaucoma medications that make the pupil small (like pilocarpine)
- Had a serious eye injury
- Had a retinal tear or detachment in your other eye
- Have family members who had retinal detachment
- Have weak areas in your retina (seen by an eye doctor during an exam)
SYMPTOMS
- Flashes of light (photopsia) or sudden increase of photopsia.
- Shadow of a curtain moving across vision and loss of central vision.
- Increase of floaters or spots.
HOW IS DETACHED RETINA TREATED?
Surgery is done to repair a detached retina. Here are some types of detached retina surgery:
- Pneumatic Retinopexy
- Vitrectomy
- Scleral Buckle
HOW CAN I PREVENT RETINAL DETACHMENT?
Since retinal detachment is often caused by aging, there’s often no way to prevent it. But you can lower your risk of retinal detachment from an eye injury by wearing safety goggles or other protective eye gear when doing risky activities, like playing sports.
If you experience any symptoms of retinal detachment, go to your eye doctor right away. Early treatment can help prevent permanent vision loss.
It’s also important to get comprehensive dilated eye exams regularly. A dilated eye exam can help your eye doctor find a small retinal tear or detachment early, before it starts to affect your vision.
