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Retinal detachment, why it originate?

Retinal detachment, why it originate?

Top Doctors
Top Doctors editorial
Top Doctors
Created by: Top Doctors editorial
Edited by: TOP DOCTORS® at 16/02/2023

Retinal detachment is a serious eye problem that can cause irreversible vision loss, especially if it is not detected and treated early. There are some people who have the bad luck that the vitreous still has strong adhesion to some points of the retina, and when be taking place the separation process is a break in the retina.

Fundus retinal detachment

 


The term retinal detachment relates to the separation of the inner layers of the retina of the eyeball wall to which it is attached normally. It is a serious eye problem that can cause irreversible vision loss, especially if it is not detected and treated early.

The most common cause is the formation of holes or tears in the retina due to a process known as posterior vitreous detachment.

 

People who are more likely to have this condition

When we are born, the vitreous is semisolid gelatinous consistency and is strongly attached to the retina. Over the years, the consistency of the vitreous is becoming increasingly liquid and its adhesion to the retina is becoming weaker, to the point of separation (known as posterior vitreous detachment). Eventually, this process will happen to all people practically without any serious consequences.

However, there are some people who have the bad luck that the vitreous still has strong adhesion to some points of the retina, and when be taking place the separation process is a break in the retina. It is through this break that the same vitreous, and liquid, filtered and follows the retina. Patients with high myopia or cataract surgery were more likely to develop retinal detachment.

Discomforts that occur in the patient and treatment

Although they may have no symptoms, it is common for patients to experience vision floaters in the affected eye, vision of flashing lights, and then the appearance of a dark shadow or curtain that extends from the periphery of the visual field to the center .

When a retinal tear is detected without detachment still be seen, photocoagulation should be performed with laser beam. This treatment reduces very significantly the likelihood of developing a retinal detachment.

In case of retinal detachment, there are several surgeries through which can be repaired but it is important to mention that such problem which is treated in time, usually good visual prognosis. The more time passes between the appearance of detachment and proper treatment, the worse the prognosis.

Ophthalmology