How does retinal detach

A detached retina causes vitreous gel transformations which, if there is an existingtraction, accentuate the detachment. When detachment occurs, vision is blurred. A detached retina is a serious problem that can cause blindness unless it is treated.

The retina normally lies smoothly and firmly against the inside back wall of the eyeball and functions much like the film in the back of a camera. Diagnosis Retinal examination. The doctor may use an instrument with a bright light and special lenses to examine the back of your eye, including the retina. Ultrasound imaging.

Your doctor may use this test if bleeding has occurred in the eye, making it difficult to see your retina. Several months may pass, however, before vision returns to its final level. How does retinal detachment occur? Category: medical health eye and vision conditions.

It happens when inflammation, vascular abnormalities, or injury cause fluid to build up under the retina. There is no hole, break, or tear.

Tractional retinal detachment is when an injury, inflammation, or neovascularization causes the fibrovascular tissue to pull the sensory retina from the retinal pigment epithelium. Can rubbing eyes cause retinal detachment? What do retinal detachment Flashes look like? Can high blood pressure cause retinal detachment? How much does retinal detachment surgery cost? They have yet to understand completely how it works.

It is a vital part of vision. Therefore, having it become detached can create permanently altered vision, or the loss of vision entirely. Now that we know what a retina is, what exactly does it mean for it to detach, and how does it happen? The retina is secured to the backs of our eyes by a clear gel called the vitreous.

This gel is what is inside of our eyeballs and keeps them maintaining their round shape. As humans age, the vitreous in the eyeball can start to shrink or become smaller. This makes the eyeball change shape, and it can tug on the retina itself. Some changes to the vitreous and retinal tugging are actually fairly normal. Most people experience this as seeing a little flash of light. However, a retinal detachment happens when the vitreous tugs so hard on the retina that the retina moves away from the eyeball.

If too much fluid gets in between the eyeball and retina, this can cause retinal detachment. Once detached, the retina can no longer do its job of sending light signals to the brain, which can cause a loss or alteration of vision. The most common risk factor for retinal detachment is age. Most people who experience detachment are over the age of A retinal detachment, however, can occur at age.

If you sustain blunt force trauma to the eye, this can also cause retinal detachment. This can happen by blood cells getting in between the retina and vitreous it is attached to, which can ultimately make someone lose their vision, or their eye entirely.

People who have diabetes are also known to be more prone to developing a retinal detachment. If you have diabetes , you should speak to your doctor about what you can do to possibly prevent retinal detachment and your risk factors. Individuals with severe nearsightedness are also more prone to developing a detachment. This is because their eyes change shape, which makes it more difficult for them to see clearly. Often times, this is genetic.

APR 12, Question: How long can a person with symptoms of a detached retina wait to see an ophthalmologist safely before permanent damage could occur? Answer: Great and very important question! Ask an Ophthalmologist. Browse Answers. Medical disclaimer By submitting your question, you agree to be answered by email.

Question Required. Email address Required. Enter a Valid email address. Your doctor may also use a laser or freeze treatment to repair any tears in your retina. After the surgery, your eye may feel a little sore. Search the site. Print this Page. Surgery for Retinal Detachment. Learn more about retinal detachment. Learn more about laser surgery and freeze treatment.