Retinal Detachment

What is Retinal Detachment?

Retinal detachment is a serious condition that occurs when the retina—a thin layer of light-sensitive nerve cells located at the back of the eye—peels away or detaches from its underlying support tissue. This delicate structure is essential for clear vision, as it converts light into neural signals that are sent to the brain. Without a healthy retina, our ability to see is significantly compromised.

Initially, a retinal detachment might affect only a small area of the retina, but if left untreated, it can progress to involve the entire retina, ultimately leading to complete vision loss in the affected eye. This condition typically occurs in just one eye, making it critical for individuals to seek immediate medical attention if they experience symptoms.

Who is at Risk?

Certain populations are more susceptible to retinal detachment. Those with severe myopia (nearsightedness), individuals with diabetes, patients who have undergone complicated cataract surgery, and anyone who has sustained a significant blow to the eye are all at higher risk. Recognizing the risk factors and being aware of the symptoms is crucial for prompt intervention.

Emergency Treatment is Key

Retinal detachment is considered a medical emergency. Surgery is almost always necessary to repair a torn, hole-filled, or detached retina. The type of surgery will depend on the severity and location of the detachment, but timely intervention can help restore vision and prevent further complications.

At Vasu Eye Institute & Skin Centre, we pride ourselves on being recognized as the best retina hospital in Bathinda. Our team of experienced ophthalmologists specializes in diagnosing and treating retinal conditions, ensuring that each patient receives personalized care tailored to their specific needs. Equipped with state-of-the-art technology and the best cashless facilities, we strive to provide a comfortable and efficient experience for our patients.

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Eye Specialist

Dr. Gourav Mangla Eye Specialist

Dr. Gourav Mangla

MBBS, MS, DNB(eye), FVR

Symptoms of Retinal Detachment: Recognizing the Warning Signs

Retinal detachment is a serious condition that can lead to permanent vision loss if not addressed promptly. Awareness of its symptoms is crucial for early detection and treatment. Here are the key symptoms that individuals with a detached retina may experience:

  1. Photopsia: Patients often notice sudden, brief flashes of light, known as photopsia, occurring outside the central vision or in peripheral vision. These flashes tend to become more noticeable with eye movement and can be alarming, as they may signal that the retina is being pulled away from its supportive tissues.
  2. Increased Floaters: A significant increase in the number of floaters—tiny bits of debris or gel that can appear as small strings, dots, or transparent bubbles—is common. These floaters can be distracting and often follow the movement of the eye. Some individuals report seeing what resembles a ring of hairs or a cluster of floaters in their peripheral vision.
  3. Heavy Sensation in the Eye: A feeling of heaviness or pressure in the affected eye can accompany other symptoms. This sensation can be unsettling and may indicate underlying issues with the retina.
  4. Shadow in Peripheral Vision: One of the more alarming symptoms is the gradual appearance of a shadow that begins in the peripheral vision and encroaches toward the center. This shadow may obscure vision and can indicate that the retina is detaching from its base.
  5. Curtain-like Effect: Patients may feel as though a transparent curtain is descending over their field of vision. This sensation can be disorienting and is a strong indicator that immediate medical attention is needed.
  6. Distorted Vision: Individuals may also notice that straight lines begin to appear curved. This distortion can affect the clarity and quality of vision, making it difficult to perform everyday tasks.

If you experience any of these symptoms, it is essential to seek prompt medical evaluation. Retinal detachment is considered a medical emergency, and early intervention can make a significant difference in preserving vision. At Vasu Eye Institute & Skin Centre, our team is dedicated to providing expert care for retinal conditions, ensuring that you receive the timely treatment you need. Your eyesight is invaluable; don’t wait to get help.

Treatment Options for Retinal Detachment

Retinal detachment is a serious eye condition that requires prompt intervention to prevent permanent vision loss. At Vasu Eye Institute & Skin Centre, we offer a range of advanced treatment options tailored to the severity and nature of the detachment. Below are the primary treatment modalities available for retinal detachment:

  1. Retinal Detachment Surgery: This is the primary method used to repair a detached retina. The type of surgery performed depends on the specifics of the detachment, including its location and extent. The goal is to reattach the retina to its supportive tissue and restore normal vision. Surgery is often necessary to prevent further vision loss and preserve eye health.
  2. MIVS (MicroIncision Vitrectomy Surgery) with Gas/Silicone Oil: MIVS is a minimally invasive surgical technique that involves the removal of the vitreous gel from the eye. This procedure allows the surgeon to access the retina more effectively. After the vitreous is removed, a gas bubble or silicone oil may be injected into the eye to help hold the retina in place as it heals. This method is particularly useful for treating complex cases of retinal detachment.
  3. Retinal Cryopexy: This treatment involves applying extreme cold to the area around the retinal tear. The cold causes the tissue to freeze and form a scar, which helps to seal the retina back to the underlying tissue. Cryopexy is often used in conjunction with other surgical methods and is effective in preventing further detachment.

Green Laser Barrage: This procedure uses a laser to create small burns around the retinal tear or detachment. These burns help to form scar tissue, which can secure the retina back in place and prevent further detachment. Green laser barrage is typically used for less severe detachments and can be performed in an outpatient setting.

Advanced retina surgery at Best Eye Hospital in Bathinda | Vasu Eye Institute & Skin Centre

Symptoms

A person with a detached retina may experience a number of symptoms

  • Photopsia, or sudden, brief flashes of light outside the central part of their vision, or peripheral vision. The flashes are more likely to occur when the eye moves.
  • A significant increase in the number of floaters, the bits of debris in the eye that make us see things floating in front of us, usually like little strings of transparent bubbles or rods that follow our field of vision as our eyes turn. They may see what looks like a ring of hairs or floaters on the peripheral side of the vision.
  • A heavy feeling in the eye
  • A shadow that starts to appear in the peripheral vision and gradually spreads towards the center of the field of vision
  • A sensation that a transparent curtain is coming down over the field of vision
  • Straight lines start to appear curved

Treatment Available

  • Retinal Detachment Surgery
  • MIVS (Micro Incision Vitrectomy Surgery) with Gas/ Silicone Oil
  • Retinal Cryopexy
  • Green Laser Barrage