ENLmedical.com: Conditions And Concerns: Medical Encyclopedia: Retinal detachment

Retinal detachment

Causes and Risks:
The retina is a transparent membrane at the back of the eye that processes the images focused on it by the cornea and the lens. Retinal detachments are associated with a tear or hole in the retina through which the internal fluids of the eye may leak, causing separation of the retina from the underlying tissues. This may be caused by trauma, the aging process, a tumor , or an inflammatory disorder, but it frequently occurs spontaneously. In newborns born before full-term, retinal detachment can be caused by retinopathy of prematurity (abnormalities of the retina associated with being premature).

Bleeding from small blood vessels may cloud the vitreus fluid. Central vision becomes affected if the macula , the central part of the retina, becomes detached.

The risk factors are nearsightedness , a family history of retinal detachment, Caucasian background, and male sex. Approximately 20,000 people per year are affected with retinal detachments.

Prevention:
Using protective eye wear may prevent eye trauma.

Symptoms:

bright flashes of light, especially in peripheral vision
translucent specks of various shapes (floaters) in the eye
blurred vision
shadow or blindness in a part of the visual field of one eye

Signs and Tests:
Tests to determine the integrity of the retina may include:

direct and indirect ophthalmoscopy
visual acuity
refraction test
color defectiveness determination
muscle integrity evaluation
pupillary reflex response
slit lamp examination
intraocular pressure determination
retinal examination
ultrasound of the eye ( head and eye Echoencephalogram )
retinal photography
fluorescein angiography
electroretinogram (a record of the action currents of the retina produced by visual or light stimuli )

Treatment:
Laser surgery can be used to seal the tears or holes in the retina that generally precede detachment.

The application of intense cold with an ice probe (known as cryopexy), leads to the formation of a scar that holds the retina to the underlying layer.

Surgical reattachment involves indentation of the sclera to relieve pressure on the retina, allowing it to re-attach.

Prognosis:
The outcome depends upon the location and extent of the detachment and early treatment. If the macula has not detached, the results of treatment can be excellent.

Complications:
The unsuccessful reattachment of the retina results in loss of vision .

Call Your Healthcare Provider:
A retinal detachment is a medical emergency requiring immediate treatment!

This is an illustration of a cross-section and frontal view of the eye.