In simple terms, retinal detachment or detached retina is a condition where the retina pulls away from its normal position and requires immediate medical attention. Sounds scary, isn’t it! Before you start panicking, let’s understand the condition of retinal detachment, its causes and symptoms.

What is Retinal Detachment?

The retina is the thin layer of tissue that lines the back of the eye. The primary function of the retina is to receive light and send signals to the brain. The layer of blood vessels that supply oxygen and nutrients pulls the retina away, leading to retinal detachment. The cells cannot form a clear picture when they are deprived of oxygen. If the initial detachment is left untreated for a long time, it can cause vision loss.

What Causes Retinal Detachment?

There are three types of retinal detachment, and different factors cause each case.

Rhegmatogenous

It is the most common type of retinal detachment. Here, a small tear in the retina allows a gel-like fluid (vitreous) within the eye to get into the back of the retina. The accumulated fluid then creates pressure that pushes the retina away from the underlying blood vessels.

Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment happens with ageing. This type of detachment also happens because of an eye injury or due to surgery.

Tractional

Tractional retinal detachment happens when the scar tissue grows on the retina’s surface, causing the retina to pull away from the back of the eye. People can see individuals with poorly controlled diabetes.  The prolonged high blood sugar can damage blood vessels in your eye and form scar tissue.

Exudative

This type is different from the rest. There is no retinal tear or scratch. Exudative retinal detachment occurs when the fluid accumulates in the back of the retina. When enough fluid accumulates behind the retina, it can push the retina away from the back of the eye.

Causes of this state can be age-related macular degeneration, eye injury, and inflammatory disorders .

What are the Symptoms of Retinal Detachment?

There is usually no pain associated with retinal detachment, and it can happen with no warning. But you might notice the following symptoms:

• Blurred vision
• Sudden flashes of light in one eye or both the eyes
• Partial vision loss
• The sudden appearance of floaters- specks or threads that seem to drift through your field of vision
• A curtain-like shadow over your vision field
• Reduced Peripheral Vision

Please visit the best eye hospital in India if you experience these symptoms.

Who is at Risk for Retinal Detachment?

The following factors increase the risk of retinal detachment:

• Ageing- it is more common among people over the age of 50
• Family history of retinal detachment
• Prior history of retinal detachment
• A severe eye or head injury
• Extreme nearsightedness (myopia)
• Previous eye surgery, such as cataract removal

Conclusion

Retinal detachment is a risky condition, and doctors can only repair a detached retina as long as it remains relatively intact. Hence, it is vital to schedule an appointment with the Best Retina Specialist In India in the event of sudden onset of symptoms before it worsens.