Understanding Retinal Detachment
Tuesday, May 15th, 2018, 5:44 am
The retina in the back of your eye may seem well protected from injury, but retinal detachment does occur. This serious condition requires immediate medical attention and may lead to vision loss if left untreated.
What is the Retina?
The retina is a thin membrane at the back of your eye that receives light that enters through the lens. The cells on the retina stimulate nerves pulses that travel to the optic nerve and brain. Any abnormalities in the retina cause visual disruptions.
What is Retinal Detachment?
Your eye maintains its shape thanks to vitreous, a clear fluid that fills the space inside the eyeball. Children have very thick vitreous that stays attached to the retina. The older we get, the more the vitreous thins and pulls away from the retina. The changes in the vitreous are what cause the occasional floaters that you see, and generally speaking, this process does not require treatment. In some patients, though, the tension between the vitreous and retina can cause the retina to tear and detach from the back of the eye.
How Do I Know If I Have a Retinal Tear or Detachment?
When the retina tears or detaches from the wall of the eye, you will experience distinct changes in your vision, such as:
- Flashes of light
- Watery vision
- Wavy vision
- Obstructions in your peripheral vision as if the eye has been veiled
- Webs or groups of floaters
- Rapid decrease in visual acuity
How is a Retinal Tear or Detachment Treated?
Early treatment ensures the best possible outcomes for retinal tears or detachments. Laser treatments and cryoprobe procedures are the most effective approaches.
Do You Need to Be Evaluated for a Retinal Tear or Detachment? Contact Marion Eye Center & Optical.
If you need to schedule an eye examination for retinal detachment, LASIK vision correction, pediatric eye care and other eye health services, contact Marion Eye Center & Optical. You can contact us directly at (800) 344-7058 to schedule an appointment at one of our Illinois locations in Anna, Benton, Carbondale, Carlyle, Carmi, Carterville, Centralia, Chester, Christopher, DuQuoin, Effingham, Eldorado, Fairfield, Flora, Harrisburg, Herrin, Marion, McLeansboro, Mt. Vernon, Murphysboro, Nashville, Olney, Pinckneyville, Salem, Sparta, Steeleville, Vandalia, Vienna and West Frankfort. To schedule an appointment at our offices in Missouri, including Cape Giradeau, Charleston, Dexter, Poplar Bluff and Sikeston, contact us at (877) 269-4545.
Category: Retina Institute
