Retinal detachment (Retinal detachment) is a condition where the retina separates or peels away from its original position, causing the patient to see flashes of light similar to lightning or camera flashes, and to see black spots or black lines resembling spider webs floating around, accompanied by blurred vision. This condition can occur at any age, but since it is often caused by age-related degeneration, it is more commonly found in people over 50 years old.
Risk factors for retinal detachment
- Older age: The most common cause of retinal detachment is posterior vitreous detachment (PVD), where the vitreous gel at the back of the eye degenerates with age, contracts, and detaches from the retina, creating traction on the retina. This is often seen in people over 70 years old and is rare in those under 50 years old.
- High myopia (severe nearsightedness): Due to early degeneration of the vitreous gel and an elongated, thinner retina compared to normal, making it more prone to tears.
- History of retinal detachment in one eye.
- Family history of retinal detachment.
- Infections or inflammation inside the eye.
- Tumors or cancers originating inside the eye or spreading from other parts.
- Diabetes with retinal complications.
- Severe eye injury or trauma.
- Previous eye surgery, such as cataract surgery.
- Eye diseases such as Retinoschisis (a type of retinal detachment), Uveitis, or Lattice degeneration.
Symptoms of retinal detachment
- Patients experience abnormal vision without eye pain, soreness, redness, or discharge.
- In the early stage, patients see flashes of light similar to lightning or camera flashes (Flashing) in one or both eyes while closing their eyes or in the dark, usually caused by traction from the vitreous gel pulling on the retina through a tear.
- Seeing black spots or lines resembling spider webs, mosquitoes, or flies floating in the eye (Eye floaters), which are more visible in bright light, especially when looking up at a clear sky, a white wall, or bending down, such as when drinking water. Patients may think there is a spider web outside the eye and try to rub their eyes, but the shadows do not disappear, causing discomfort, though they may get used to it over time.
- Blurred vision, which may appear as if a fog is covering the sight, seeing shadows like a curtain, or seeing wavy or distorted images.
- If untreated and left for a long time, patients will start to notice shadows at the edge of their visual field, which will enlarge until it covers the entire visual field within a few days.
Postoperative instructions after retinal surgery
- Wear an eye shield for 1 month or as directed by the doctor. Sunglasses may be used during the day.
- The operated eye may feel irritated. Do not use hands or foreign objects to poke or rub the eye, as this may cause infection.
- Use eye drops and ointments only as prescribed by the doctor.
- In the first 2-3 days after surgery, there may be inflammation of the conjunctiva and swelling and redness of the eyelids. Warm compresses and sleeping with the head elevated can help reduce swelling.
- When bathing, pour water from the shoulders down and avoid splashing water into the operated eye. If using a shower, use a handheld showerhead only, not a wall-mounted one, to prevent water from splashing into the eye.
- Shampoo hair only when necessary. If shampooing, lie on your back, close your eyes, and have someone else wash your hair to prevent water from entering the eye until 1 month has passed or until the doctor permits.
- Clean the face by gently wiping with a damp towel only on the non-operated side. For the operated eye, wipe once daily after waking up (wash hands thoroughly before wiping and avoid getting water or dust in the eye).
- Brush teeth gently without shaking the head.
- Avoid bending the head below waist level. If necessary to pick up objects, sit down to do so.
- Avoid forceful coughing or sneezing. If necessary, try not to cough or sneeze forcefully.
- Be cautious of accidents such as falls or carrying children, as children may accidentally hit the eye.
- Use your vision normally, such as reading or watching TV, but rest if you feel eye fatigue.
- You may eat all types of food except for patients with certain diseases like diabetes or kidney disease, who should follow specific dietary restrictions.
- Attend all follow-up appointments. If abnormal symptoms occur, such as severe eye pain, redness, or excessive discharge, see a doctor immediately before the scheduled appointment. Bring all eye drops and ointments (if any) to every visit.
- For the first 2 months after surgery, avoid strenuous exercise such as jumping and avoid lifting heavy objects or doing heavy work that may impact the eye, such as digging soil, washing clothes, or pounding chili paste.
Guidelines for patients with retinal detachment
- Follow the ophthalmologist’s instructions.
- Discuss with the ophthalmologist to understand the disease and treatment outcomes for acceptance and adjustment.
- If vision is partially lost, patients should adapt their living environment to their vision to help them be more independent, such as increasing lighting inside the house and walkways, organizing household items neatly to prevent accidents from bumping into things, and arranging for assistance when necessary, such as transportation to hospital appointments.
- Always attend ophthalmologist appointments and seek medical attention promptly if vision worsens, if there are new or unusual visual symptoms, or if there are concerns about the condition.
Regarding treatment outcomes, if patients receive treatment at the stage of retinal tear or early retinal detachment, the treatment usually helps restore vision well. Therefore, do not ignore early abnormal symptoms.
