Retinal detachment
What is retinal detachment?
Retinal detachment is a serious eye condition in which the retina separates from its underlying layer - the retinal pigment epithelium. The pigment epithelium serves to:
nourish the retina
supply it with oxygen
enable normal function
Since the retina is the part of the eye responsible for receiving light and forming images - when it detaches, its function is disrupted, which can lead to permanent loss of vision.
Retinal detachment is therefore considered a medical emergency requiring prompt action.
How does it occur?
It most commonly occurs when a tear (break) in the retina develops - through which fluid enters and separates the retina from the pigment epithelium.
Risk factors include:
ageing
previous eye surgery
diabetes
Types of retinal detachment
Rhegmatogenous - occurs when a break develops in the retina through which fluid enters and separates it from the underlying layer
Tractional - occurs when scar tissue in the eye pulls the retina away - most common in patients with diabetes
Exudative - occurs when fluid accumulates beneath the retina without a break - usually due to inflammation or other eye diseases
What are the symptoms?
In some patients, specific symptoms appear before retinal detachment occurs:
floaters moving in the visual field
flashes of light (like lightning) with sudden eye movements
a shadow or "curtain" appearing over part of the visual field
sudden onset of new floaters in the visual field
sudden drop in vision
If you notice any of these symptoms, seek an ophthalmologist immediately.
How is it diagnosed?
A rapid diagnosis significantly increases the success of treatment - it is made through an ophthalmological examination:
How is retinal detachment treated?
Depending on the stage and type of detachment:
laser photocoagulation (LFC) - in early stages
retinopexy
The goal of treatment is to reattach the retina and preserve vision. It is important to detect retinal detachment in time - especially if the central vision (macula) has not been affected - as the best surgical outcomes are achieved in those cases.
Why is it important to act immediately?
With retinal detachment, time is critical. The sooner treatment begins, the greater the chance of preserving vision.
If the macula has already detached, surgery can achieve an anatomically satisfactory result - but the recovery of visual function will depend primarily on the prior state of the retina and the time elapsed since the macula detached. The longer the macula is detached, the lower the chance of a satisfactory functional outcome.
The optimal period for surgery in the case of macular detachment is considered to be within 3 days. Delay can lead to permanent vision loss.
Frequently asked questions
Is retinal detachment painful?
Retinal detachment itself is usually not painful - which can be deceptive, as patients sometimes delay seeing a doctor because they feel no pain.
Can heavy physical work or weightlifting cause retinal detachment?
In healthy people without risk factors, physical exertion is rarely a direct cause of detachment. However, in people with high myopia, a thin retina, or pre-existing changes in the eye, intense exertion or a direct blow to the head or eye may be a trigger. If you are in a risk group, consult an ophthalmologist before intense physical training.
Symptoms that cannot wait.
If you notice sudden floaters, flashes, or a shadow in your visual field - do not delay. Contact us immediately.