Detachment

What exactly is a retinal detachment and which are its causes?

Anatomically, the retina is a thin membrane at the fundus of the eye. Its main role is to receive the light rays (visual stimuli), that enter the eye, and convert them into visual information (image format) at the human brain. Retinal detachment is an ophthalmic condition in which the retina is detached (fissure creation) from the choroid, an inner layer of the eye. The condition is able to cause catastrophic vision effects if left untreated. Diabetes, eye injuries, vasculopathies or inflammations and extremely high myopia can lead to retinal detachment condition.

Retinal detachment types:

• Rhegmatogenous: due to a break in the retina (called a retinal tear)
• Exudative: due to inflammations, trauma or vasculopathies
• Tractional: due to neovascularization (diabetes)

Symptoms:

• Shadow spreading (like a curtain) in the affected eye
• Glares (flashes)
• Floaters

Treatment:

-Laser application: laser beams are properly applied so as heal (close) the retinal tears and prevent the detachment

-Surgical procedure: usually performed under general anesthesia in properly equipped premises by a special trained surgeon ophthalmologist for exact retina positioning and tear healing

What exactly is the vitreous detachment and which are its causes?

There is a cavity between the lens and the retina (vitreous cavity), which basically accommodates a material that look like a transparent gel, called vitreous humor (fluid). Its composition changes with aging, becomes less compact, and liquidates. Then, there is a possibility to come away from its natural braces (props) at the inner part of the eye. This condition is called vitreous detachment (contact loss between the vitreous and the retina). Although it is annoying, vitreous detachment itself does not affect vision. However, in case vitreous is fully detached from the retina, then there are many possibilities for a retinal detachment condition with unpleasant consequences. Aging, traumas or intense anxiety (stress) are the main causes of this ophthalmic condition. Via scheduling a prompt and full ophthalmological examination, surgical procedure can be prevented.

Symptoms:

• Floaters
• Glares (flashes)
• Vision quality deterioration