Retinal detachment (Retinal detachment) is a condition where the retina separates or peels away from its original position. This condition can occur in people of all ages.
Symptoms of retinal tear
The structure of the eye is like a camera with a light-sensitive membrane called the retina. The retina is the tissue that receives images and sends signals to be processed by the brain. There is a central cavity called the vitreous body. In young people, it appears clear like egg white, but in older people, it tends to liquefy. Movement of parts of the eye may cause traction on the retinal surface, leading to a tear, known as vitreous detachment. This is more common in people with high myopia and older age. Symptoms can be observed as follows:
- Seeing flashes of light or flickering lights
- Seeing black spots or black lines resembling spider webs floating around
- Blurred vision
- Having black floaters in the eye
- Some cases may have bleeding in the eye, which may be related to retinal tears. It is recommended to see an ophthalmologist for diagnosis promptly. If treatment is delayed, there is a risk of blindness.
Causes that increase the risk of retinal tear
- High myopia
- Diabetes mellitus
- Family history of retinal detachment
- Infection or inflammation inside the eye
- Tumors or cancer occurring inside the eye or spreading from other parts
- Severe eye injury or trauma
- Previous eye surgery
- Eye diseases such as Retinoschisis (a type of retinal detachment)
Treatment methods include
- If the condition is not severe, treatment involves laser photocoagulation by applying laser around the tear. Surgery is not necessary. After the procedure, patients can go home immediately without recovery time.
- Injection of gas into the eye (Retinopexy) combined with laser or cryotherapy, which is suitable for some patients only.
There are 2 surgical methods
- Scleral Buckling surgery involves placing a material to support the outer part of the eye to help push the eye wall back to attach to the retina. The doctor may use laser or cryotherapy to seal the tear simultaneously.
- The surgery at Phyathai 2 Hospital mainly focuses on vitrectomy and retinal surgery (vitrectomy machine). Patients receive general anesthesia before surgery. The ophthalmologist inserts three small instruments beside the cornea. Because the instruments are very small, the incisions are tiny, no stitches are needed, there is no eye irritation, and no recovery time is required.
Dr. Chairat Saowaprut
Retina Specialist Ophthalmologist
Eye Center, Phyathai 2 Hospital
