The retina is one of the most important structures of the eye. It detects light, converts it into nerve impulses, and transmits them through the optic nerve to the brain, where visual information is processed.
Retinal detachment can lead to vision loss. Therefore, this condition requires prompt treatment as soon as possible.
Why shouldn’t you delay treatment?
A detached retina is deprived of its blood supply. This can lead to partial or complete vision loss. That is why retinal detachment is considered an ophthalmic emergency.
IMPORTANT: The retina itself does not feel pain. Instead, retinal tears or detachment usually present with other symptoms:
Retinal detachment can also occur for a variety of reasons:
At the first sign of any warning symptoms, you should seek medical attention immediately. The earlier retinal problems are detected and treatment is started, the greater the chances of preserving your vision.
Diagnostic methods:
Who is at risk?
Patients who have:
Can retinal detachment be prevented?
Yes, in many cases, retinal detachment can be prevented through regular comprehensive eye examinations with pupil dilation. If, during the examination, your ophthalmologist determines that laser photocoagulation is needed to strengthen the retina, it is important not to delay treatment. Timely laser photocoagulation can significantly reduce the risk of retinal detachment or prevent an existing detachment from progressing.
What are the treatment options for retinal detachment?
- Laser photocoagulation. This procedure is used primarily as a preventive treatment for small retinal tears or, in rare cases, localized retinal detachment. However, these situations are the exception rather than the rule. In most cases, retinal detachment requires surgical treatment.
- Vitrectomy. This surgical procedure involves the partial or complete removal of the vitreous gel. This allows the surgeon to reposition the retina and secure it in place with laser photocoagulation—essentially “welding” the retina back into position. At the end of the procedure, the surgeon decides on a temporary internal tamponade using either a gas bubble or silicone oil. If a gas bubble is used, the patient must maintain a specific head position for approximately 2–4 weeks. Silicone oil does not require this positioning but must be removed during a second operation at a later date. The procedure is performed in the operating room, and the timing of silicone oil removal is determined individually.
- Scleral buckling. During this procedure, the surgeon places a small silicone buckle on the outer wall of the eye (the sclera). The buckle gently indents the sclera at the site of the retinal tear, bringing it closer to the detached retina and helping the retina reattach to its normal position. After surgery, the patient must follow specific head and body positioning instructions during the recovery period.
What are the postoperative restrictions?
Depending on the type of procedure performed, postoperative restrictions may vary. However, the general recommendations include:
What are the treatment options for retinal detachment?
The most important thing in retinal detachment is not to delay treatment. Timely surgery is an investment not only in the health of your eyes but also in your quality of life for years to come.
Kushnir Nataliya
Ophthalmologist, Candidate of Medical Sciences