Retinal detachment occurs when the retina of the eye is pulled away from the underlying tissue to which it is attached. A retinal detachment is a medical emergency which can lead to permanent blindness if left untreated. In most cases, the detachment is a slowly progressing issue which must be treated once symptoms are realized. In some cases, a detachment occurs due to a trauma which causes a tear in the retina, allowing fluid to enter the vitreous and pull on the retinal tissue.
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“I am a long time patient of Ungritch Eye Assosicates and have had many different procedure performed for the care of my eyes. Although there are many qualified Ophthalmologists in the Salt Lake valley I know I will get the care that I need. Dr.Craig W. VanLeeuwen has been treating me since Dr. Herbert P Ungritch’s passing many years ago. He is well skilled and educated on the treatments that he has givien me. I fully recommend them to anyone who is in need of simple eye care to advance treatment. – Cliff W.”
Causes Of A Retinal Detachment
Retinal detachment can be complication of cataract surgery. A severe inflammation may alter the position of the retinal tissue and begin the detachment process. Other causes of a retinal detachment may be as follows:
- Nearsightedness
- A retinal tear
- Family history of retinal detachment
- Glaucoma
- Cataract surgery
- Trauma
- Existing eye condition
Symptoms Of A Retinal Detachment
Symptoms of retinal detachment may progress slowly or rapidly, but both should be reported to a medical doctor as soon as possible so as to minimize the risk of vision loss. Some of the symptoms of a retinal detachment include:
- A sudden decrease in visual acuity
- A sudden increase in the amount of “floaters” in vision
- Bright flashes in the periphery
- An unnatural “curving” of straight lines
- Loss of central vision
- A dense shadow throughout the visual field
The patient should be taken to an emergency room as quickly as possible.
Diagnosis Of A Retinal Detachment
Diagnosis of a retinal detachment is made after a thorough medical eye examination by one of our ophthalmologists and the performance of the following diagnostic tests:
- Dilated eye examination
- Ultrasound of the eye
- Fundus photography of the retina
- Visual acuity test
- Slit-lamp examination
- Electroretinogram
- Fluorescein angiography
- Ophthalmoscopy
Treatment Of A Retinal Detachment
A retinal detachment may be treated in many ways, which may include one or both of the following:
- Cryotherapy
- Laser photocoagulation
- Pneumatic retinopexy
- Scleral buckle
- Vitrectomy
Most surgeries to repair a retinal detachment are successful. In some cases, a second procedure will need to be performed. After a successful procedure, vision will take time to improve but may not return to previous levels of acuity.
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If you’re interested in learning more about treatments for a detached retina, call our office at 801-314-4420 or click here to schedule an appointment online.