Diagnosis and Treatment of Retinal Detachment
There are many different eye and vision problems that our optometrists can assist you with. We always strive to ensure that our patients receive the best care possible no matter was eye health or vision issue they face. This goes for urgent care needs as well as needs that are not necessarily as pressing.
One vision/eye health issue that some people face is retinal detachment. We'd like to take a moment right now to consider the basics of retinal detachment and how it can be diagnosed and treated.
About Retinal Detachment
The retina is the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eyes which is essential for proper vision. Retinal detachment is just what it sounds like: this light-sensitive tissue tears or rips away from the back portion of the eye. The longer that retinal detachment goes untreated, the greater the likelihood of permanent vision loss.
Common Causes of Retinal Detachment
Some of the most common cause of retinal detachment include the following:
- Shrinkage and similar problems with the vitreous gel
- Injury to the head or eye
- Diabetes
- Inflammatory issues with the eyes
Symptoms and Signs of Retinal Detachment
While there is rarely any pain per se associated with retinal detachment, there are some warning signs that you should be aware of. These include the following:
- Floaters in your vision
- Shadowiness in your visual field
- Sudden bursts or flashes of light
Should you notice any of the above symptoms appear suddenly, be sure to speak with an eye care expert right away. The sooner that you can be checked and treated, the better.
Diagnosis of Retinal Detachment
When checking for vision problems and other eye diseases, it's important that members of our team do thorough checks. With regard to retinal detachment, the following two tests are common:
- Ophthalmoscope - This tool creates a three dimensional view of the inside of the eyes, allowing eye care specialists to identify tears, holes, and other serious problems.
- Ultrasonography - This eye test creates an image of the inside of the eye using harmless sound waves. This is another good way for doctors to get a view of the internal structures of the eyes.
Treatment of Retinal Detachment
The proper treatment for retinal detachment and tearing issues is surgery, though the exact surgery will depend on the nature of the condition.
- For tears and holes - If the retina is not fully detached but merely torn or punctured, outpatient procedures are possible. A laser surgery known as photocoagulation can help patch torn portion of the retina, and a freezing process known as cryopexy can also create helpful scar that holds the torn retina in place.
- For retinal detachment - In the case of retinal detachment, the best option usually involves injecting air or gas into the eye or replacing the vitreous gel. Both of these options will help seal the tear or detachment so it heals properly and remains in place. Scleral buckling may also be used, which indents the wall of the eye to help prevent the vitreous gel from pulling at the retina and causing damage.
Learn More About Various Eye Care Services
If you would like to learn more about issues involving the retinas as well as many other important topics with regard to vision care and eye health, be sure to contact our Goodlettsville, TN eye care center today. The entire team here looks forward to meeting you in person and helping you achieve good vision.