Detached Retina
A detached retina occurs when the lining at the back of the eye starts to pull away from the blood vessels at the back of the eye. This can lead to blindness so should be treated quickly.
Symptoms of a Detached Retina
- Appearance of floaters within the vision.
- Vision may be blurred.
- Flashes of light in the eye.
- A shadow across the vision.
Causes
A detached retina is most often caused by a direct trauma to the eye from a blunt object. It is a common injury in boxers.
Age can also increase the likelihood of a detached retina because the retina become weaker and thinner with age.
Tiny holes develop inside the retina which allow fluid (which is normally found between the retina and lens) to seep through. A build up of fluid can cause the retina to start pulling away from the back of the eye where its blood supply is. With a reduced blood supply the cells of the retina will begin to die.
Treatment
- If a detached retina is suspected the patient is referred to an eye specialist.
- They will observe the eye using an Opthalmoscope to view the retina at the back of the eye. An ultrasound scan may also be used to see the back of the eye.
- Surgery is required to reattach the retina. This is usually completely successful and may only require an overnight hospital stay.
