Retinal detachment

Retinal detachment is a disorder of the eye in which the retina peels away from its underlying layer of support tissue. The retina is a thin disc-shaped layer of light-sensitive tissue on the back wall of the eye. Its job is to translate what we see into neural impulses and send them to the brain via the optic nerve. Occasionally, injury or trauma to the eye may cause a small tear in the retina, which allows fluid to seep through, and peel it away like a bubble in wallpaper. Detachment is most frequent in the middle-aged or elderly population, and in those with extreme myopia, as their retinas are unusually thin to begin with. Retinal detachment is also an uncommon complication of surgeries such as those used to treat cataracts. People who suffer from retinal detachment usually feel no pain at all. They may notice severely blurred vision, see flashes of light, or experience a sudden dramatic increase in the number of floaters. Many report the impression that a veil or curtain was drawn over their field of vision. There are several ways of treating a detached retina. One way is to inject silicone gel or a gas bubble (pneumatic retinopexy) into the eye to push the retina smoothly back into place. Cryotherapy or laser treatments can then permanently reattach it. If the gas bubble is used, patients may have to keep their heads tilted for several days to more effectively press it against the retina. Another treatment uses very fine silicone bands that are sewed to the outside of the eye socket so they push against the detached area. The bands do not usually have to be removed. After treatment, patients gradually regain their vision, although the visual acuity may not be a good as it was prior to the detachment. Category:Ophthalmology