8 March 2019 The retina consists of several layers of highly specialised nerve tissue formed as an extension of the central nervous system while an embryo is developing. The retina is in contact with the vitreous humour , a gel filling the inner chamber of the eyeball. It converts energy from light into a complex series of impulses the brain receives as sight . Retinal detachment occurs when the retina separates from the back of the eye and fluid seeps behind the retina . If not treated promptly, retinal detachment can lead to blindness. What are the main causes of retinal detachment? Retinal detachment occurs most often in people: Who have severe myopia; Who have undergone surgery for eye trauma; Who have vestibular dysfunction that occurs as a result of systemic diseases such as diabetes mellitus. The most common cause of retinal detachment is a tear caused by the vitreous humour adhering to the retina. If there is a tear, vitreous fluid seeps behind the retina and causes retinal detachment. When retinal detachment is caused by a tear, it is called rhegmatogenous . It can occur at any time and is associated with later detachment of the vitreous. It is most common in: Myopia; Following surgery, trauma or intra-ocular inflammation. Retinal detachment can also occur without a tear. In these cases, the retina detaches because it is pulled from the vitreous chamber (tractional detachment) or because fluid leaks from the vessels behind the retina (exudative detachment). Tractional detachment is most common: In diabetes; Inflammations of the eye with alterations in the composition of the vitreous humour. Exudative detachment is most common: In severe hypertension; Eclampsia; General inflammatory diseases; Infections of the retina; Vascular malformations; Eye tumours. What are the symptoms of retinal detachment? Symptoms of retinal detachment may include: Flashing lights; Floaters (mobile dark spots in your field of vision): A detached retina stops working properly and causes loss of field of vision, often described as a dark curtain, a shadow or balls of fluid. The larger the area of detached retina is, the greater the loss of field of vision. Reduced eyesight is also associated with retinal detachment. How is retinal detachment treated? Treatment depends on the type, location and extent of retinal detachment, which are assessed in detail by an ophthalmologist. Isolated retinal tears can be treated with laser or cryopexy. These two methods create an adhesion around the tear to prevent the retina from detaching. Retinal detachment is treated with surgery , often under general anaesthesia , involving a short stay in hospital . The purpose of the procedure is: To reduce pulling on the retina; To drain subretinal fluid; Treat tears. The approach used, either from outside the eye or through the vitreous chamber (vitrectomy), depends on the type of retinal detachment. Surgery is able to attach the retina in around 90% of cases . It sometimes involves more than one operation. The degree of recovery of eyesight is not fully predictable as it depends on the condition of the retina. In the hospitals and clinics of the Hospital da Luz network, there are ophthalmologists who specialise in the diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases and who can perform the necessary examinations for your condition. This article was written with the support of physicians and other clinical professionals from the Hospital da Luz network. The content published in the Health Guide is intended for the general public and is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not replace individual medical assessment, diagnosis, or personalized clinical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. The content is produced or reviewed by physicians and other healthcare professionals at Hospital da Luz and is based on the knowledge available at the time of publication or the most recent update, as indicated at the beginning of each item.
