What is retinal detachment

The retina is located on the back of the eye. And it is she who gives the brain information about what the person sees. Through the lens to the retina light enters, photosensitive cells fix it and transmit information to the brain. In order for the retina to perform its functions, it must fit snugly against the fundus.

In the right position, it is held by the vitreous body, which consists of water and colloidal fibers. It completely fills the internal space inside the eye and presses the retina to its wall.

What is retinal detachment ? Under the influence of various factors, it can move away from the back wall, so that vision deteriorates or completely disappears. In addition, the blood supply to the retina is impaired, and because this site does not receive the necessary nutrition, it dies. After this, the treatment will not work.

What causes retinal detachment? Most often this occurs as a result of a change in the structure of the vitreous. Colloidal fibers are compressed, which leads to the release of water and the dilution of the vitreous, and, consequently, to its displacement. This process damages the retina and through these damages the fluid seeps under it and tears it from the wall. It can cause a detachment and trauma to the eye.

Retinal detachment is most common in the elderly, although this does not mean that it can not occur in a person before a certain age. In addition, there are some diseases that significantly increase the risk of developing this pathology. These include myopia (nearsightedness), diabetes, age-related retina, inflammation of the eye. People with these diseases need to pay special attention to their eyesight. Unfortunately, many people do not think about it, in particular, because they simply do not know that a total loss of vision can result in a banal detachment of the retina. Symptoms of this disease should be known to everyone:

- flashes and sparks in peripheral vision;

- the image in the center of the view is slightly vague;

- the appearance of a "shadow", a transparent veil in the field of view.

The sooner the treatment begins, the more likely it will be successful. That's why having discovered at least one of these symptoms, everyone should immediately turn to their ophthalmologist.

Depending on the degree to which the retinal detachment has reached, the treatment may be different. In the case of small foci of detachment, it is quite possible to do with the procedure of laser coagulation: small lesions are cauterized with a laser and, as it were, are soldered back to the back wall. This procedure is completely painless and is performed on an outpatient basis.

In the event that the retinal detachment is insignificant but located in such a way that the use of laser coagulation is not possible, extrascleral ballooning is used: a special balloon is inserted between the bone and the sclera, which is inflated with air until the eye wall contacts the detached area of the retina, and then laser cauterization, After which the cylinder is removed. This procedure requires bed rest and is carried out with constant monitoring of the doctor.

In the case of a common retinal detachment, surgical intervention is necessary. To the outer part of the eyeball, a synthetic tape is sewn, which causes the wall to bend before contact with the retina. The operation is performed in a hospital and under anesthesia.

In the most difficult cases , the human vitreous humor is completely replaced by oil or gas, which expands in the cavity of the eye and presses the retina to the wall of the eye.

It is very important to consult a doctor in a timely manner. If no more than 2 weeks have elapsed from the moment of detachment of the retina before the beginning of treatment, then it is about 80% of the success, otherwise the risk that repeated treatment will be needed is high.