Detached Retina (Retinal Detachment)

Sudden appearance or increase in the number of floaters, which are shapes that float in the eye and are seen in the field of visionBrief flashes of light in the eyeLoss of the eyes central or peripheral field of visionA curtain appears to fall over part of the visual fieldSudden changes or blurring of vision Diagnosis The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a thorough eye exam. Tests may include: Eye examThe pupil is dilated with eye drops, and the inside of the eye is examined with a lighted instrument called an ophthalmoscope.UltrasoundThe doctor uses sound waves to examine the eye. TreatmentTreatments may include: Non-surgical ProceduresCryotherapy (or cryoretinopexy)A freezing probe is used to seal the retina back into its normal position.DiathermyHeat is used to seal the retina back into its normal position.Laser retinopexyA laser is used to make tiny burns around the area of detachment. This seals down the surrounding retina often preventing further detachment.Pneumatic retinopexyA special type of gas bubble is injected into the eye. The gas bubble pushes the retina back into place.All of these procedures are often combined with other procedures or surgeries. Surgical ProceduresVitrectomythe surgical removal of vitreous fluid that is pulling on the retina and causing detachmentScleral bucklethe surgical placement of a flexible band around the eye Prevention To help prevent retinal detachment, do the following:

Always wear protective eyewear or goggles when participating in: Contact sportsActivities that involve flying objectsAny other potentially dangerous activity where the eye can get injuredHave regular eye exams at least once a year if you are at risk. Depending on your age and risk factors, you may need to see the eye doctor more often. Contact an eye doctor immediately if you have: An eye injuryAny symptoms of retinal detachment, such as flashing lights, floating objects, loss of part of your peripheral vision, or any other change in vision RESOURCES: American Academy of Ophthalmologyhttp://www.aao.org National Eye Institutehttp://www.nei.nih.gov CANADIAN RESOURCES: Canadian Association of Optometristshttp://www.opto.ca/en/public/ Canadian Health Networkhttp://www.canadian-health-network.ca/ References: American Academy of Ophthalmology website. Available at: http://www.aao.org . The Merck Manual of Medical Information . Simon and Schuster, Inc.; 2000. National Eye Institute website. Available at: http://www.nei.nih.gov . Last reviewed October 2007 by Marc Ellman, MDPlease be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.