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Retinal Detachment: Definition, Symptoms, and Treatment

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A retinal detachment refers to a separation of the retina – the light-sensitive membrane in the back of the eye – from its supporting layers. This serious medical condition is typically caused by trauma, diabetes or an inflammatory disorder.

Symptoms of Retinal Detachment

•           Flashes of light (Especially in peripheral vision)

•           Blurred/blurry vision

•           Floaters in the eye. Also referred to as shadows or spots

•           Blindness in a portion of the visual field

The sudden and dramatic appearance of these symptoms is a strong indication that the retina is either tearing or detaching. If you feel you may be experiencing any of the above symptoms, schedule an appointment with your eye doctor immediately. Any sudden change in your vision is a serious medical condition that requires prompt medical attention from your optometrist or ophthalmologist.

Treatment of Retinal Detachment

Most cases of retinal detachment require one of the following surgeries.

•           Freezing (cryopexy): The application of intense cold to the area with an ice probe to form a scar, which holds the retina in place.

•           Laser Surgery (photocoagulation): This is used to seal the tears or holes in the retina.

•           Pneumatic Retinopexy: The placing of a gas bubble in the eye to help the retina float back into place. Then a laser is used to fix the retina in place.

More extensive cases require more invasive procedures, including:

•           Scleral Buckle: This is done to indent the wall of the eye, relieving the tugging of the vitreous on the retina.

•           Vitrectomy: This is done to remove gel or scar tissue that may be pulling on the retina.

If you have any questions about what you have just read or if you would like to learn more about your various treatment options, please contact board certified ophthalmologist Samuel Boles and the eye care specialists at Anne Arundel Eye Center by calling 410-224-2010.

Led by Dr. Boles, the Anne Arundel Eye Center offers comprehensive specialized ophthalmic exams as well as diagnostic pre and post-surgical eye care. Specializing in glaucoma and cataracts, Dr. Boles has helped restore and preserve thousands of patients’ vision.

For more eye care advice and information, please take a look at our previous blog posts.

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Retinal Detachment

Diabetic Retinopathy: Signs and Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention

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Currently, between 40-45% of Americans with diabetes have some varying degree of Diabetic Retinopathy, the most common diabetic eye disease and the leading cause of blindness in American adults.  Specifically, Diabetic Retinopathy is damage to the blood vessels in the eye.

Types (Stages) of Diabetic Retinopathy

Non-proliferative: This is the first stage of Diabetic Retinopathy. It involves the enlargement of blood vessels with fluid/blood leaking into the retina, causing problems with one’s vision.

Proliferative: This is the more advanced type of Diabetic Retinopathy. It involves the forming of new blood vessels in the eye. These blood vessels then hemorrhage, causing scarring on the retina and other parts of the eye. This can result in several problems, including complete vision loss.

Signs and Symptoms of Diabetic Retinopathy

•           Blurred vision/ blurry vision

•           Shadows or loss of areas of vision

•           Difficulty seeing at nighttime

 

By the time these symptoms appear, it may be too late to reverse the damage. This is why it is important for all those with diabetes to have professional eye exams (at least once a year) in addition to regular medical care and checkups with their primary care physicians.

Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy

The best form of treatment for diabetic retinopathy is prevention. However, there are still some very effective ways to treat diabetic eye diseases, including:

•           Focal Laser Treatment: Also known as photocoagulation, this laser treatment can slow or even stop blood and fluid from leaking in the eye.

•           Scatter Laser Treatment: Also known as panretinal photocoagulation, this laser treatment is used to shrink any abnormal blood vessels in the eye.

•           Vitrectomy: This surgical treatment is used to remove blood from the middle of the eye (vitreous) as well as any scar tissue that may be pulling on the retina.

While new treatment options are in development as scientists work toward a better understanding of this disease, regular eye exams and early detection remain your best options for fighting Diabetic Retinopathy.

If you have any questions about what you have just read or if you would like to learn more about Diabetic Retinopathy, please contact board certified ophthalmologist Samuel Boles and the eye care specialists at Anne Arundel Eye Center by calling 410-224-2010 or click here to visit AnneArundelEyeCenter.com today!

Located in Annapolis, Maryland, the Anne Arundel Eye Center offers comprehensive specialized ophthalmic exams as well as diagnostic pre and post-surgical eye care. Specializing in glaucoma and cataracts, Dr. Boles has helped restore and preserve thousands of patients’ vision.

For more eye care advice and information, please take a look at our previous blog posts.

You can also follow Anne Arundel Eye Center on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube as well!

Sources:

Diabetic Retinopathy: What You Should Know

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