

Retinal detachment is more common in people over age 40. Usually, it takes three months after seeing a first “ floater” for the vitreous to detach from the retina completely. This type is usually caused by retinal diseases, including inflammatory disorders and injury or trauma to the eye.Ī retinal detachment is most likely to happen directly after a vitreous detachment.

You can take the following steps to help prevent retinal tears and detachment: Previous retinal detachment in the other eye.Previous cataract, glaucoma or other eye surgery - approximately one percent of patients who have had cataract surgery ultimately develop a retinal detachment.Trauma - blunt injury to the eye in the past.In addition, you are at increased risk of developing a retinal detachment if you have any of the following: Loss of field of vision (blind spot or curtain-like shadow).Floaters (cobwebs), especially sudden appearance or worsening.If the retina can be repaired before the center of vision is involved, very good post-operative vision is frequently achieved.Įarly detection of retinal detachment can save your sight so know the warning signs:

The good news is the success rate for repair of a recent, uncomplicated retinal detachment approaches 90 percent. This is as an outpatient procedure performed by an experienced retina surgeon. Retinal detachments are urgent situations that typically require surgical repair in an operating room. Trauma can also cause vitreous traction on the retina which can lead to a retinal detachment. If a retinal tear is diagnosed early, a retina specialist can often seal the tear with a laser treatment in the office, helping the patient to avoid visual loss. In the vast majority of cases, this separation does not damage the retina, and no retinal tear occurs even though the patient may experience sudden floaters and light flashes. This process is called a posterior vitreous detachment (PVD). The vitreous becomes more fluid-like as people age which pulls it away from the retina. This traction can cause a retinal tear which can subsequently lead to a retinal detachment. Retinal detachment occurs when the vitreous jelly pulls away from the retina, and there is a place where the vitreous is tightly stuck to the retina. The vitreous is the clear gel that fills the space between the lens and the retina of the eye. It senses light and sends signals to the brain so you can see. The retina is the layer of nerve cells lining the back wall inside the eye.
