Retinal detachment is an emergency situation where the retina, located at the back of the eye, pulls away from its normal position. If this condition isn't treated quickly, there is a risk of permanent vision loss. Fortunately, our team at Lock Family Eye Care in West Des Moines, IA can treat this condition and save your vision.
Who Is at Risk for Retinal Detachment?
Although anyone can suffer from a retinal detachment, certain factors can increase the risk, including:
- • Retinal detachment is most common in people over the age of 50.
- • A previous retinal detachment
- • A family history of retinal detachment
- • Being extremely nearsighted
- • Previous eye surgery
- • Previous eye condition, including uveitis, retinoschisis, or lattice degeneration
- • Previous eye injury
What Are the Symptoms of Retinal Detachment?
Retinal detachment doesn't cause any pain. However, it causes symptoms before it occurs and becomes advanced. These include:
- • The sudden appearance of floaters, which are tiny specks that drift through your field of vision
- • Seeing flashes of light
- • Blurry vision
- • Reduced peripheral vision that occurs gradually
- • A shadow similar to a curtain over your field of vision
How Is Retinal Detachment Diagnosed?
Our optometrist can diagnose retinal detachment using two tests. The first is a retinal exam. During this exam, we will use a special lens and a bright light to examine your retina. This test allows us to check for retinal tears, holes, or detachment.
If there is bleeding in the eye, it can be difficult to get a good look at your retina. In cases like this, our eye doctor might order an ultrasound.
How Is Retinal Detachment Treated?
There are a few treatment options for retinal detachment. The one our eye doctor chooses would depend on the severity of your condition. If you have a retinal tear or a hole that has not progressed to a complete retinal detachment, there are several treatments to prevent retinal detachment. These include:
- Photocoagulation: This is a laser surgical procedure. The laser causes burns around the tear or hole, which causes scarring. This will weld the retina to the underlying tissue.
- Cryopexy: A freezing probe is used to cause a scar that can secure the retina to the wall of the eye.
If you have a complete retinal detachment, you will need surgery within days of the diagnosis. Your treatment depends on the severity of the detachment. Some treatments include:
- Pneumatic retinopexy: This surgery involves injecting a bubble of gas or air into the center of the eye. This will push the area containing the hole against the wall of the eye.
- Scleral buckling: This surgical procedure involves suturing a pieces of silicone material to the white of the eye. This will cause an indent in the wall of the eye, relieving the pressure.
- Vitrectomy: This procedure involves removing the tissue that is tugging on the retina. Silicone gas, oil, or air is injected to flatten out the retina.
Schedule an Appointment with Our Optometrist in West Des Moines, IA
Retinal detachment is serious and requires emergency care. At Lock Family Eye Care in West Des Moines, IA, our eye doctor will diagnose retinal detachment and go over your treatment options. Call us today at (515) 267-1312 to schedule an appointment.
