Retinal Detachment: Symptoms, Risk Factors, Treatment and Prevention-Mr Harish Jagtani

The retina is a thin, light-sensitive tissue present at the back of the eye where an image is formed by the eye lens. A healthy retina along with a healthy cornea, lens and other eye parts is necessary for a person to see clearly. 

When the retina separates from the back of the eye, the condition is known to be retinal detachment which can further lead to partial or complete vision loss. Retinal detachment is a medical emergency since retinal cells may get critically deprived of oxygen, therefore, one should immediately contact a healthcare expert, eye specialist or our Harish Jagtani hospital, in case sudden vision changes are experienced. 

A study conducted with 40,965 people aged 40 years or older in Kinshasa showed that retinal diseases are common among Congolese adults. Also, retinal conditions were found to be a major cause of low vision and blindness. 

Read on to know more about the condition. 

Retinal Detachment: Symptoms 

No pain is experienced in usual cases of retinal detachment, however, a person may observe one or more of the below-mentioned symptoms before the retina detaches completely. 

Blurry vision 

• Partial loss of vision 
• Sudden and brief flashes of light when the eye moves sideways; the condition is also known as photopsia 
• Sudden and significant increase in floaters (bits of debris which appear as strings, rods or black flecks) 
• Heaviness in the eye 
• Other vision problems such as the curved appearance of straight lines or an appearance of a shadow in the peripheral vision 

Retinal detachment: Risk Factors 

While the condition may affect people of all ages and health status, certain factors are known to increase the risk. These include: 

• Family history of retinal detachment (i.e. genetic factors) 
• Prior history of retinal detachment 
• Advancing age 
• Eye injury or trauma to the eye 
• Extreme nearsightedness 
• Previous cataract surgery that led to complications 
• Posterior vitreous detachment (a common condition in the elderly) 
• Poorly managed diabetes mellitus 

If you find yourself at a greater risk of retinal detachment, consult your doctor at the earliest to seek preventive treatment. 

Retinal Detachment: Surgery 

The treatment options for retinal detachment include several kinds of surgery. Without surgery, there is a high risk of complete loss of vision. Commonly used surgical procedures for the treatment of retinal detachment are: 

• Laser surgery (photocoagulation) 
• Cryosurgery 
• Vitrectomy 
• Scleral buckling 
• Pneumatic retinopexy 

Doctors analyse various factors to find the right type of surgical procedure for a patient. 

Retinal Detachment: Prevention 

Retinal detachment cannot be prevented altogether by any means, however, one can reduce the chances of developing this condition by taking several steps: 

• People with diabetes should keep their blood sugar levels under check. 
• People who often participate in sports or work with tools should wear protective eyewear to prevent injury or trauma to the eye. 
• People at a higher risk of developing retinal detachment should get eye exams twice a year. 

The Bottom Line 

Retinal detachment is one of the critical eye conditions and can lead to permanent loss of vision if left untreated or if the treatment is delayed. Therefore, it is necessary to stay aware of its symptoms and risk factors to identify them and seek medical attention at the earliest. Harish Jagtani Hospitals houses a state-of-the-art ophthalmology department to bring world-class healthcare facilities to your proximity. Schedule an appointment now to get a complete eye check-up.