Retinal detachment is a serious condition where the retina at the back of the eye pulls away from its normal location. When retinal detachment occurs, the retina becomes separated from the blood vessels that help provide oxygen to the eye. The longer the retina is detached, the more at risk the person is for losing their vision permanently. A detached retina is considered an emergency situation.
Retinal detachment can happen to people of all ages. There are three major factors that can cause the retina to move or become detached. These factors include:
The symptoms of a detached can sometimes be hard to notice. They can also vary by person. Many people go to the eye doctor because they are having vision problems only to learn that they are suffering from a detached retina. Some of the symptoms of this condition include:
Doctors need to be able to see into the eye to determine if the retina is detached or if there are any other problems. They may perform a variety of tests to confirm the diagnosis. The most common ways that doctors diagnose a detached retina include:
Retinal detachment is a serious condition and needs to be treated quickly to avoid vision problems and other complications. Doctors can treat it in a variety of ways, including:
The prognosis for people who have their detached retinas treated or repaired quickly is good. If left untreated, it can quickly get worse and cause vision problems and even blindness. People who have lost vision as a result of a retinal detachment may or may not regain it. People who have had a retinal detachment are likely to experience retina tears or holes and may need future treatments.