RETINAL DETACHMENT

General Information

DEFINITION--A separation or tear of the retina (the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye) from the remainder of the eye. Retinal detachment is a medical emergency.

BODY PARTS INVOLVED--Eye.

SEX OR AGE MOST AFFECTED--All ages and both sexes, but more common in men.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS--

The following usually affect one eye, but sometimes both are affected:

• Light flashes in the field of vision.
• Floating spots in the field of vision.
• Blurred vision.
• Wavy visual images (sometimes).
• Gradual loss of vision. This may not be noticed because it is so gradual.
• No pain.

CAUSES

• Eye injury (break or tear in the retina).
• Inherited tendency (possibly).
• Degenerative changes of aging.

RISK INCREASES WITH

• Age.
• Diabetes mellitus.
• Vascular disease.
• Previous retinal detachment.
• Family history of retinal detachment.
• Extreme nearsightedness (myopia).
• Complications of eye surgery.
• Tumors or inflammation.

HOW TO PREVENT

• Patients at risk should have regular eye examinations.
• If you have diabetes mellitus or vascular disease, obtain medical treatment to control the disorder.

What To Expect

DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES--

• Your own observation of symptoms.
• Diagnosis is determined by an ophthalmoscopy exam of the eye.

APPROPRIATE HEALTH CARE

• Doctor's (ophthalmologist's) treatment.
• Treatment will depend on location and severity of the detachment.
• An eye shield may be needed if there was trauma to the eye.
• Surgery to reattach the retina using special lasers or cryotherapy (using below freezing temperatures), or by changing the shape of the eye (sometimes).

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS

> Without treatment: Partial or complete blindness in the affected eye.

> With delayed treatment: Detachment that extends to the macula (the area of most detailed vision). This causes permanent loss of detailed (central) vision.

PROBABLE OUTCOME--Often treatable with early surgical treatment.

How To Treat

GENERAL MEASURES----The following instructions apply after surgery:

• Both eyes will be patched for a time. Your family and friends can help overcome this stress by providing companionship and assistance.
• Use dark glasses after the patches are removed.
• Don't rub your eyes.
• Don't bend over.
• Avoid straining, such as from constipation, heavy lifting or harsh coughing. This may increase pressure in the eyes.

MEDICATION--Your doctor may prescribe:

• Mydriatic eye drops to dilate the pupil. Dilation reduces eye activity during healing. If you cannot instill the drops, ask someone to be available to help at the appropriate times.
• Sedatives or tranquilizers to reduce anxiety during convalescence.

ACTIVITY--After surgery, lie on your back in bed with your head elevated. Move your legs frequently to prevent blood clots from forming in deep veins. Resume your normal activities when your ophthalmologist considers it safe.

DIET--No special diet.

Call Your Doctor If

• You have flashes or floating spots in your field of vision. Do not delay in getting medical help.
• Any sign of infection (bleeding, redness, pain, swelling or fever) occurs after surgery.
• Your vision worsens after full recovery from surgery.