What You Need to Know About Retinal Detachment

The retina is a light-sensitive tissue at the back of your eye. It is responsible for converting light rays into nerve impulses, playing a major role in your image translation process. Retinal detachment is a serious medical condition that occurs when the retina becomes separated from its blood supply. Read on as your expert eye doctor from Downtown Eyes discusses further:

Why Your Retina Detaches

Retinal detachment is caused by the vitreous—a gel-like sack in the middle of your eye—pulling on it. There are three types of retinal detachment: Exudative, tractional, and rhegmatogenous. Excudative detached retina can occur when inflammation causes fluid leaks into your retina. This may disrupt your retina’s oxygen and nutrient supply, putting you at risk of experiencing vision loss.

Tractional retinal detachment is caused by retinal scars contracting, forcing your retina to separate from the RPE, while rhegmatogenous retinal detachment develops when retinal infirmities cause fluid accumulation under your retina.

How Detached Retina Affects Your Vision

Your trusted eye doctor explains that seeing cobwebs, specks, or other floaters in your line of sight are common symptoms of retinal detachment. As the vitreous shrinks, you may also see light flashes or a dark curtain blocking your visual field. If you experience any of these symptoms, head to your trusted eye clinic as soon as possible.

How Retinal Detachment Is Managed

Retinal detachment is an emergency condition that can cause permanent vision loss without prompt treatment from your reliable eye doctor or optometrist. We may use lasers to create scars around your retina, sealing it back in place. We may also apply a scleral buckle to reduce the pulling force of the vitreous and reattach the retina to its original location.

For more information about retinal detachment, call us at (612) 333-EYES (3937) or complete our form. We serve Minneapolis, MN, and nearby areas.