Retinal Detachment: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

What is Retinal Detachment?

Retinal detachment is when the retina detaches from its normal position, according to Health Direct. The retina is a thin layer of cells located at the back of the eye and helps you see. When retinal detachment occurs, the retina stops getting the blood and oxygen it requires to function. Untreated retinal detachment can worsen as it continues to pull away from the choroid, leading to vision loss or even blindness. According to the Strathfield Retinal Clinic, retinal detachment can be a result of a torn retina or a hole in the retina.

What Does Retinal Detachment Look Like?

Retinal detachment can look like an appearance or increase in floaters, flashes of light and a dark curtain-like shadow in the corner or side of your vision that moves your centre visual field. In terms of what retinal detachment looks like inside the eye, the retina is lifted off its normal position at the back of the eye.

What Are the Symptoms of Retinal Detachment?

The symptoms of retinal detachment include flashes of light in your vision, distorted vision, a sudden increase in floaters and a curtain-like shadow appearing from the side of your vision. According to Healthline, floaters can be a sign of retinal detachment, but also other eye conditions, which is why it is important to see an optometrist to rule out any serious conditions. However, if you experience a sudden increase in floaters along with flashes of light, then it could indicate retinal detachment. It is important to note that this might be different between individuals, and should any changes occur to your vision, regardless, it is always recommended to see your optometrist.

What Does Vision Look Like With Retinal Detachment?

Vision with retinal detachment can look like distorted vision, floaters that can resemble cobwebs, dots or lines, flashes of light and a dark curtain-like shadow appearing, according to the Macular Disease Foundation. With the retina detaching from its normal position, the symptoms that can ensue can disrupt clear vision and may lead to loss of vision depending on the severity of your condition. Symptoms are a result of the retina no longer functioning when it detaches from the eye.

Does Retinal Detachment Cause Pain?

No, retinal detachment does not cause pain, as the retina does not have any pain receptors. The vision changes from retinal detachment typically occur without pain, but may be unsettling for patients.

What Are the Causes of Retinal Detachment?

The causes of retinal detachment can include aging and vitreous shrinkage, retinal tears, severe nearsightedness, eye injury or trauma, previous eye surgery, diabetic eye disease, inflammatory eye conditions and family history. With several different eye diseases, there are often shared risk factors, so it can be helpful to understand a little more about some common conditions. The causes of retinal detachment are listed below.

• Aging and Vitreous Shrinkage: Aging and vitreous shrinkage can be a cause of retinal detachment, as the gel-like substance that fills the eye, known as the vitreous, can change as you age.
• Retina Tears: Retinal tears are characterised as breaks or small openings in the retina, which can be caused by trauma to the eye, aging, or other eye conditions.
• Severe Nearsightedness: Severe nearsightedness, also referred to as high myopia, occurs when the eyeball has grown too long, which means the eye cannot focus light on the retina.
• Eye Injury or Trauma: An eye injury or trauma can be a cause of retinal detachment, as it can lead to either part of the retina or the whole retina to tear or pull away from the back of the eye.
• Previous Eye Surgery: Previous eye surgery can increase the risk of retinal detachment, as it may lead to eye trauma and retinal tears.
• Diabetic Eye Disease: Diabetic eye disease can lead to retinal detachment due to high levels of blood sugar affecting retinal vessels.
• Inflammatory Eye Conditions: Inflammatory eye conditions can potentially cause retinal detachment due to increased blood vessel leakage, leading to a build-up of fluid behind the retina.
• Family History: A family history of retinal detachment may also lead to the development of retinal detachment.

1. Aging and Vitreous Shrinkage

Aging and vitreous shrinkage are often the causes of retinal detachment, as they can cause the vitreous to separate from the retina. The vitreous can typically shrink or change texture as you get older, which can stop the vitreous from filling the eye and lead to detachment from the retina, according to the Lions Eye Institute.

2. Retina Tears

Retina tears can lead to retinal detachment, as they can cause the retina to lift off the surface of the eye, leading to detachment. According to the Bayside Eye Clinic, tears in the retina can stem from trauma to the eye, aging and other eye conditions.

3. Severe nearsightedness

Severe nearsightedness can increase the risk of retinal detachment due to the elongation of the eye and stretched retina. Severe nearsightedness or high myopia occurs when the eyeball is too long, causing its inability to focus light on the retina properly.

4. Eye Injury or Trauma

Eye injury or trauma can cause the vitreous to pull away, creating tears, which can lead to retinal detachment. Trauma, such as a hit or a blunt force, can damage the connection between the retina and the vitreous, according to Better Health.

5. Previous Eye Surgery

Previous eye surgery can be a factor that causes retinal detachment, as it can weaken the retina, according to the Cataract Eye Surgery Centre. Eye surgeries that can especially lead to retinal detachment can include cataract surgery, as it involves changing an internal structure in the eye. This can, in turn, affect the vitreous gel in the eye.

6. Diabetic Eye Disease

Diabetic eye disease can lead to retinal detachment, as high glucose levels can damage parts of the body, including the retina. Diabetes that affects the retina is commonly known as a condition called diabetic retinopathy, which can cause harm to the retina's blood vessels, according to Mount Waverly Surgeons.

7. Inflammatory Eye Conditions

Inflammatory eye conditions can result in a certain type of retinal detachment known as exudative retinal detachment. This form of retinal detachment can ensue as inflammation can cause leaky blood vessels in the choroid, fluids to leak, disrupt the retinal pigment epithelium layer and consequently, lead to increased pressure from the build-up of fluid in the retina.

8. Family History

Having a family history of retinal detachment can largely increase the likelihood of developing retinal detachment. Genetics present with the condition can mean family members are predisposed to having weaker retinal structures or vitreous connections, according to Science Direct.

What Are the Types of Retinal Detachment?

The types of retinal detachment include rhegmatogenous, tractional and exudative. The different types of retinal detachment are listed below.

• Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment: Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment is the most common type and can occur when there is a break or small tear in the retina.
• Tractional Retinal Detachment: Tractional retinal detachment can arise when scar tissue pulls your retina away from its normal position at the back of your eye.
• Exudative Retinal Detachment: Exudative retinal detachment can happen as a result of accumulated fluid behind your retina, without retinal tears or breaks.

What Are the Treatments for Retinal Detachment?

The treatments for retinal detachment are Pneumatic Retinopexy, Scleral Buckling and Vitrectomy, according to the Mayo Clinic. Read more about these different treatments for retinal detachment below.

1. Pneumatic Retinopexy: Pneumatic Retinopexy refers to a process wherein the surgeon injects a bubble of air or gas into the eye centre. The bubble will push the damaged part of the retina against the eye wall. This will prevent fluid from entering behind the retina, and the fluid that was already present will be absorbed on its own.
2. Scleral Buckling: Scleral buckling refers to when a surgeon sews a piece of silicone to the sclera, the white part of the eye, over the affected area. This will indent the wall of the eye and relieve the pressure caused by the vitreous tugging on the retina. The silicone will remain in this position for life. It is important to note that Oscar Wylee only provides optometry services, and this treatment is only performed by ophthalmologists .
3. Vitrectomy: A Vitrectomy is when the surgeon removes the vitreous and any other additional tissue tugging on the retina. Air, gas or silicone oil is injected into this vitreous space to flatten the retina. It is important to note that Oscar Wylee only provides optometry services, and this treatment is only performed by ophthalmologists.

How Does Treatment Affect Future Vision and Glasses Use?

Retinal detachment treatment can affect future vision and glasses use. Consequences of the aftermath of retinal detachment include eye discomfort, watering, redness, swelling, and eye itching, according to the Specialist Eye Centre Bathurst. Blurred vision may last for a few months after the surgery, and new prescription lenses may be given.

How to Prevent Retinal Detachment?

Retinal detachment cannot be fully prevented; however, the risk of it occurring can be mitigated. Get regular eye tests, particularly if you have myopia, as this makes you more at risk of retinal detachment, according to the Cleveland Clinic. You should ensure safety goggles or other protective eyewear are being worn if you find yourself in a laboratory, at a woodwork station or playing contact sports.