Retinal Tears and Detachments: Types, Causes, and Treatments
The retina is the light-sensitive layer of tissue at the back of the eye that sends visual signals to the brain. Retinal tears and detachments occur when the retina separates from the underlying tissue, which can cause vision loss or blindness. A study of patients with retinal detachment in one eye found that about 15% developed the condition in their other eye. This article will discuss the different types of retinal tears and detachments, their causes, and treatment options.
What are Retinal Tears and Detachments?
Did you know that retinal tears and detachments are the most urgent type of eye problem doctors see in emergency rooms? Retinal tears are small retina breaks that occur due to trauma or degeneration of the eye. These tears can lead to retinal detachment if left untreated. Retinal detachment is a serious condition in which the retina becomes separated from the underlying tissue and can no longer function properly. Various factors, including trauma, degeneration, and disease, can cause retinal detachment. Regular eye exams and proper treatment of underlying medical conditions can help to reduce the risk of retinal detachment.
What are the Causes of Retinal Tears and Detachments?
Some common causes of retinal tears and detachments include
- Injury. An injury can cause retinal tears and detachments. A tear can occur if you have an injury to your eye, such as an impact on the eye or if you rub your eye with something rough.
- Chronic illness. This type of detachment is most often seen in people with poorly controlled diabetes or other conditions that affect blood vessels.
- Aging. Detachments can occur due to age-related macular degeneration (AMD), eye injury, tumors, or inflammatory disorders.
If you have experienced any of the above and are experiencing increasing discomfort in your eye, seek medical attention.
What are the Symptoms of Retinal Tears and Detachments?
Retinal tears and detachments can be very scary, especially if you are experiencing visual changes. The good news is that most retinal tears and detachments are treatable and don't cause long-term damage. In fact, in many cases, you'll never notice any symptoms at all.
But it's still important to be aware of the signs of a retinal tear or detachment so you can get help quickly if you or someone you love needs it. Here are some common symptoms of these conditions:
- Floaters in your field of vision (resembling a piece of dust drifting by)
- Blurred vision
- Double vision
- Loss of peripheral vision
- Rays or streaks of light
- Colors that change or "swim" across your visual field
Types of Retinal Detachments
The most common type of retinal detachment are:
- Rhegmatogenous detachment. This detachment occurs when a retinal tear allows fluid to leak behind the retina, causing it to detach from the underlying tissue. Degenerative changes in the eye or a traumatic injury usually cause this detachment.
- Tractional detachment: This is another type of retinal detachment caused by the formation of scar tissue on the retina. This detachment is often seen in patients with diabetes or other systemic diseases that affect the retina. In this case, the scar tissue pulls the retina away from the underlying tissue, causing a detachment.
- Exudative detachment: is caused by fluid accumulation beneath the retina. This detachment is often seen in patients with inflammatory diseases such as uveitis or malignant tumors.
Seek medical attention immediately if you have symptoms of a detached retina, even if your vision is still normal.
How are Retinal Tears & Detachments Diagnosed?
Retina tears and detachments are diagnosed by examining the retina in a person's eye. The retina is the innermost layer of the eye that contains photoreceptors called rods and cones. These photoreceptors allow us to see in color, detail, and depth.
Retinal tears and detachments may be diagnosed using various imaging techniques at Vitreoretinal Consultants. These include
- Retinal examination. The doctor may examine your retina with an instrument called an ophthalmoscopy. It has a bright light and lenses that enable them to get a detailed view of the back of your eye, including any tears in the retina.
- Ultrasound imaging: Ultrasound is used if bleeding has obscured your vision to the point that a normal eye exam can't reveal any abnormalities in your retina.
- Eye dilation: Your physician may perform this procedure to get a better look at the inside of your eye.
Treatments for Retinal Tears and Detachments
Treatment for retinal detachment depends on the type and severity. Common treatment options include:
- Laser surgery (photocoagulation). A laser beam is directed into the eye through the pupil, in order to "weld" the retina to underlying tissue.
- Freezing (cryopexy). The surgeon injects a local anesthetic into the eye to numb it, then uses a freezing probe to reattach the retina.
- Pneumatic retinopexy: The gas bubble stabilizes the retina and pushes it back into place. The tear is then sealed via cryopexy or photocoagulation.
- Scleral buckling: In a scleral buckle procedure, the physician surgically repairs the torn/detached retina.
- Vitrectomy: A vitrectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the fluid that fills the eyeball, known as a vitreous gel. The gel provides a structure within the eye; its removal makes it easier for retinal surgeons to repair tears and detachments in this part of your vision system.
We are dedicated to providing our patients exceptional retinal care at Vitreoretinal Consultants. For us, nothing is as important as your eyesight.
Why Should You See a Retina Specialist for Retinal Tears or Detachments?
A retinal specialist is an eye doctor at Vitreoretinal Consultants who specializes in treating various types of vision loss. Our retina specialists have advanced training, after their ophthalmology training, and medical knowledge to diagnose and treat problems with the retina. Our mission at Vitreoretinal Consultants of NY is to provide exceptional retinal care. We understand that your vision directly affects many aspects of your life; for this reason, we are dedicated to helping you maintain the highest quality eye health possible. Contact us with any questions or schedule an appointment with VRC today!