Retinal Detachment

The Retina is the photo-sensitive and the inner most layer of the eye, it is primarily responsible for vision.

Without the retina, none of us would be able to see. Detachment is a problem, where a part of the retina gradually peels off from its supporting tissue and causes vision loss. If proper care is not taken then the retina soon peels of completely and the person concerned becomes blind. If the eye is a camera then the retina will be the film, where the image is recorded, so you can well understand how important it is for the proper functioning of the eye.

There are various forms of detachment that can affect a person, these are explained below:

• Rhegmatogenous detachment: If the retina is somehow punctured and the vitreous humor flows into the sub retinal space, then the subsequent detachment is called Rhegmatogenous type.

• Tractional detachment: When there is an injury, the fibro vascular tissue pulls the sensory retina from the retinal pigment epithelium, causing it to dislodge.

• Serous detachment: The serous detachment is said to occur, when some fluid starts to accumulate beneath the retina and causes it to move away from its original position.

Most of the time detachment of the retina is attributed to sudden impacts to the head, the orbit etc. The middle aged and the old people stand a greater chance of having their retinas dislodged due to accidents. Some of the early symptoms of detachment are given below.

Eyes feel heavy.

A dense shadow is formed at the peripheral vision and starts to migrate to the center of vision.

Central visual field loss.

Flashes of light can be seen in the peripheral vision, It seems, as if someone has drawn a veil on the field of vision.

There are a number of ways to treat this eye problem, but most important part is to catch it in its early stages. If the detachment is left to progress, the patient may become blind forever.

Treatment:

Surgery has to be performed immediately after the retinal detachment is detected. The cure can range from Injecting silicone oil in to the eyes, so that the retina can be held in it s place until it reattaches itself. Vitrectomy is fast emerging as a preferred procedure to cure detachments in most countries with good health care system.



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