Torn and Detached Retina
The advent of smartphones with built in cameras have made it easier than ever to practice your photography skills on the go. What you may not realize is that you have been your own camera since the day you were born! The eye functions much like a camera: a lens allows light to reach components inside the eye which are then translated by the brain into images. Just as film is crucial to a camera, so too is the retina crucial to our vision.
Over time, the retina (located on the back wall of the eye) could become detached or torn, resulting in blurry vision. Detached and torn retinas are caused by the shrinkage of a gel-like substance called “vitreous.” Vitreous fills the eye, giving it a round shape. As we age, vitreous tends to shrink and pull away from the retina. In some cases the shrinking of vitreous can cause the retina to tear or detach. This is a very serious condition which almost always causes blindness if left untreated.
Some early symptoms of retinal detachment or tear include flashing lights or an increase in the amount of “floaters” in your field of vision. Shadows may appear in your peripheral (side) vision. You may also notice a gray curtain move across your line of sight. These symptoms are not always indicative of retinal detachment or tear, but you should contact your ophthalmologist immediately if you experience any of them. They could be signs of other serious eye conditions.
Surgery will likely be recommended if it is determined by your doctor that you have retinal detachment. Detached retinas must be reattached to their proper position on the back wall of the eye. There are several types of surgery available and your individual needs will be assessed to determine which procedure is best for you. Your doctor will explain the risks and complications that could arise from surgery. Some risks include infection, bleeding and pressure in the eye. Cataracts might also develop as a result of surgery. Unfortunately, some retinal detachments cannot be fixed. In these cases the patient will continue to lose sight and eventually go blind in the affected eye.
Retinal tears, which are not as severe as detachments, may be treated with in-office laser surgery. Treatment of retinal tears can sometimes prevent the retina from becoming fully detached.
If you experience changes in your vision or think you may need surgery to correct an existing condition, contact your ophthalmologist for a comprehensive exam. Checkups are critical to your vision health, so make routine eye exams part of your yearly health plan!