To schedule your COVID vaccine appointment or for more resources visituwhealth.org/covid
The retina lines the inside back wall of the eye. It is a thin tissue made up of layers of cells. The retina contains the light-sensitive cells that tell the brain what you are looking at. It is lined on its front surface by the vitreous. This is a clear gel made largely of water and collagen fibers. It fills the center of the eye and lies between the retina and the lens.
What is a detached retina?
A detached retina starts when the vitreous comes away from the retina. This may lead to a tear of the retina. Fluid can pass through the hole or tear and lift the retina away from the back wall of the eye. When the retina pulls away or detaches from the wall of the eye, vision is lost or impaired.
Who is affected?
While a detached retina can happen at any age, it most often occurs in people over the age of 50. It is the result of changes in our eyes as we age. It is more common in eyes that have had cataract surgery and in very nearsighted eyes. It is seldom caused by eye trauma.
What are the symptoms?
Light “flashes” and blurred vision
The presence of a “veil” or shadow over part of the field of vision
Large “floaters” or spots that travel across the field of vision. These could mean that the retina is torn, or the vitreous fibers are clumped.
You should report any of these warning signs to the eye doctor right away. Quick treatment may be needed to keep your sight.
How is it treated?
Laser treatment: Can heal small holes and tears and very small, detached retinas in the doctor’s office.
Laser photocoagulation uses pinpoints of laser light to create tiny burns around the hole to “weld” the retina back to the wall of the eye.
Cryopexy is much the same, but instead of using heat, it freezes the area around the hole.
Surgical repair: If a great deal of fluid has flowed through the tear, a large detachment may occur, and surgery may be needed. To repair the retinal detachment, the hole or tear must be sealed. A bubble of gas may be injected into the eye to press the detached retina against the wall of the eye. Treatment includes the use of laser or freezing treatment to seal around the hole. Silicone may also be placed around the eye. This is to indent the eye’s outer wall to help bring the retina in contact with the back wall. The fluid beneath the retina may need to be drained. In many cases, the vitreous must be removed and a gas bubble used to hold the retina in place against the back wall of the eye.
Will my vision improve after treatment?
Ninety percent of detached retinas can be repaired. This does not mean vision will be as it was before. There may be some loss in the quality of vision. If treated early, chances are greater that your vision will be restored. If the retina cannot be reattached, vision will get worse and finally will be lost in the eye.
Who to Call
Call if you have any questions or concerns.
University Station Eye Clinic
Monday—Friday, 8 am to 4:30 pm
(608) 263-7171 or 1-800-323-8942
After hours, your call will be sent to the paging operator. Ask for the “Eye Resident on Call.” Give your name and phone number with area code. The doctor will call you back.