Retinal Detachments & Retinal Tears
Retinal Detachment or tear can be one of the most serious conditions to affect the eye. It is viewed as an ocular emergency that can require immediate surgery.

Retinal Detachments occur when there is a split between the layers of the Retina.

Retinal Tears usually occur when the traction caused by a Posterior Vitreous Detachment (PVD) causes a hole to tear in the Retina. Most PVD's will only cause Floaters and usually would not lead to a Tear.

Retinal Tears can often lead to a Retinal Detachment as fluid can leak in between the Retinal Layers and cause a detachment. This is the most common cause of a Retinal detachment. Patients who have high Myopia or those who have had eye surgery are the most likely to suffer from this type. Repeated blows to the head can also cause this to occur (this is what can happen to Boxers).

The second type of Retinal Detachment is caused when fluid leaks from blood vessels causing a build up of scar tissue. The scar tissue contracts and pulls the retina apart from the vitreous. This is called a Tractional Retinal detachment. This is the worst consequence of Diabetic Retinopathy.

Another cause of Retinal Detachment is when fluid seeps between the layers of the retina causing it to separate. This usually happens when bleeding or swelling is caused by another disease.



The symptoms that may be experienced can include:

• Flashing Lights
• Sudden decrease in vision
• Cobwebs in vision
• Lots of Floaters
• Distorted Vision

Early Diagnosis is vital in cases of Retinal Detachment. They are usually discovered because the Patient notices some of the symptoms listed above and then seeks Optical or Medical advice.

A complete Retinal examination is carried out in order to determine the extent of the damage. This may necessitate dilation of the Pupils to facilitate the examination. If a Retinal Detachment is present immediate medical intervention is usually necessary.

Reattachment of the retina can be carried out using various techniques including using a Scleral buckle , Pneumatic retinopexy (using a gas bubble), or using Cryotherapy (freezing the retina in place). It is important that Retinal Detachment treatment is carried out as soon as possible to avoid permanent vision loss.

Astigmatism
Cataracts
Diabetes & Diabetic Retinopathy
Flashes & Floaters
Glaucoma
Hypermetropia (Long Sightedness)
Macula Degeneration
Myopia (Short Sightedness)
Presbyopia
Retinal Detachments & Retinal Tears