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What is Retinal Detachment?
The retinal detachment is the separation of the neurosensory retina (where the cells that receive images and light stimuli are located) from the retinal pigment epithelium, the outer layer to which it is naturally attached. This causes damage at the cellular level which, if not corrected in a short space of time, can lead to irreversible vision loss.
Retinal detachment symptoms
The symptoms of retinal detachment are very varied and do not cause pain. It is therefore essential to be aware of them and to see an ophthalmologist if they appear. These symptoms usually appear in succession or coexist over time.
- Flying flies ("myodesopsia"): black dots or lines that appear suddenly or increase in number.
- Flashes ("photopsias"): repetitive flashes of light appearing in the visual field.
- Dark curtain: fixed, progressing and obscuring the field of vision.
- Blurred vision and image distortion: these occur when the macular region, the central and most important area of the retina, is affected.
Causes of Retinal Detachment
The most common cause of retinal detachment is the traction of the vitreous humour (a component we naturally have in the back of the eye) on the retina. Myopic eyes, those with damaged or thinned retinas are at greater risk of retinal detachment.
Diagnosis of Retinal Detachment
The diagnosis of retinal detachment is made by visualisation of the fundus under pupillary dilation (mydriasis). The use of retinography y optical coherence tomography (OCT) helps us to make a differential diagnosis with other pathologies.
Retinal detachment treatment
Argon Laser
The lesions are photocoagulated in a controlled manner in order to seal the damaged area and prevent progression.
Vitrectomy
It consists of removing the traction that caused the damage and repositioning the retina to its original position.
Scleral Surgery
By attaching a silicone band to the outer layers, the detached retina is repositioned and the pressure that caused the tear is reduced.
Retinal detachment operation
Our Ophthalmology Clinic in Fuengirola currently has the latest and most effective techniques in microsurgery and vitrectomy.The small-calibre laser (23G, 25G and 27G) together with advanced endolaser techniques, to achieve greater surgical success and an earlier recovery. Dr. Salvador Nebro Cobos, due to his extensive experience of more than 25 years together with his medical and care team, is one of the most highly rated doctors to carry out this procedure, especially for patients affected by this pathology in Fuengirola, Mijas, Calahonda, Marbella, etc.
Postoperative period
Thanks to the use of minimally invasive techniques, recovery is much safer and faster.
Risk factors for retinal detachment
Myopia, poorly controlled diabetes, eye trauma, peripheral retinal degeneration.
Questions about retinal detachment
I have been seeing black dots and threads for years, could it be a retinal detachment?
The vision of black dots and threads is due to a process of degeneration of the vitreous humour (the jelly-like component that occupies the inner region of the eye). This occurs over the years, although in the case of short-sighted people or after eye trauma, they may appear earlier than in others. Whenever these dots and threads increase in size or number, it is necessary to visit an ophthalmologist, as there is a risk of retinal damage and retinal detachment in the short term.
I had a retinal detachment, can I prevent it from happening to my other eye?
Retinal detachment can be prevented by visualising the area of rupture and treating it with laser. For this, it is essential to visit the ophthalmologist and to go urgently if symptoms of sudden onset or increase in floaters, flashes of light, or if a dark curtain is visible in the field of vision.
I have been diagnosed with vitreous detachment, is it similar to retinal detachment?
Detachment of the vitreous humour is a degenerative process of the eye that occurs in most healthy people. Although in most cases it occurs in isolation without damage to the retina or other nearby structures, it can lead to retinal detachment. To differentiate between the two, a dilated fundus examination is necessary whenever floaters appear or increase, flashes of light appear, or a dark curtain is visible in the field of vision.
One of my parents had retinal detachment, what is my risk of getting it in the future?
Retinal detachment is associated with high myopia and other ocular risk factors that are inherited from our parents. It is advisable to see an ophthalmologist to rule out these risk factors and to follow up if there is a family history.
Can I fly if I have retinal detachment surgery?
In most cases of retinal detachment surgery, we use expandable gases (SF6, C3F8) to fix and press the retina to its natural anchorage zone and promote healing. As long as this gas lasts, air travel is contraindicated, as changes in altitude can increase intraocular pressure. However, if required, we can use other intraocular solutions that do allow air travel, such as silicone oil.
When can I travel after retinal detachment?
Air travel or travel at high altitude changes are contraindicated when using expanding gases (SF6, C3F8), as they can increase intraocular pressure. However, it is possible to travel by car or train in the presence of these gases as long as there are no major changes in altitude, or to use other substances, such as silicone oil, which are suitable for air travel.
Do I have to be on bed rest after the operation?
It is not necessary to rest completely after the operation. However, depending on the severity and location of the retinal detachment, it may be advisable to keep your head in a certain position for the first few days.
When will my vision return if I have a detached retina?
Depending on the extent of the detached area and whether it affects the central area (macula), the recovery time ranges from weeks to months. It is therefore essential to intervene and return the retina to its natural position as quickly as possible.
Can I do sport if I have had retinal detachment surgery?
For this it is necessary to know the type of operation that has been carried out. If this is not known, an ophthalmologist can inform you after an examination at the ophthalmologist's office. In most cases, aerobic sports and relative weight bearing are usually allowed. Sports in which the head is subjected to vibrations and jolts (e.g. high-speed running on treadmills and contact sports) should be avoided.