The retina is a thin, transparent, and delicate sensory membrane located at the back of the eye. It is formed by an expansion of the optic nerve. The retina detects light and converts it into signals that are sent to the optic nerve through nerve impulses, propagated by a sensitive bioelectric current.
The retina is made up of 10 layers that are intimately connected but well differentiated, and it is composed of photoreceptors (rods and cones). The cones work with a lot of light, help us see during the day, and are in charge of color vision. The rods are activated in darkness and are responsible for our night vision.
What is retinal detachment?
Retinal detachment is when the retina separates from the back of the eye, causing a considerable loss of vision. The detachment causes a dark cloud or curtain to appear in your vision, depending on how far it has spread and the area involved.
Due to the sensitivity and delicacy of the retina, any detachment is considered an emergency: the faster it is treated by a retinologist, the higher the chances of preserving and recovering vision.
Risk factors
- High myopia
- Eye trauma
- Uveitis
- Diving to extreme depths
- Posterior vitreous detachment
- Weak areas of the retina
- Complications from eye surgeries
- Holes and tears in the retina, considered the main factor in the development and persistence of the detachment, as they allow vitreous fluid to leak freely into the retina
People with diabetes are also at higher risk, since advanced diabetic retinopathy can pull on and detach the retina.
Symptoms
- Flickering light flashes
- Many floaters in your vision (vitreous floaters)
- A dark shadow in the periphery of your vision
- A gray curtain covering part of the visual field
Diagnosis and treatment
Retinal detachment is diagnosed by dilating the pupil of the affected eye and evaluating the fundus, performed by an ophthalmologist. It is treated by a retinologist through surgeries called vitrectomy, pneumatic retinopexy, and scleral buckle. During a vitrectomy, the vitreous is replaced by a bubble of air, gas, or oil. The bubble pushes the retina back into place so it can heal properly. If an oil bubble is used, the ophthalmologist will remove it a few months later.
You cannot travel to high altitudes or dive if an air or gas bubble has been placed in your eye.
This is because a change in altitude causes the gas to expand and increase eye pressure.
What to expect after surgery
- You will need to wear an eye patch after surgery.
- You may feel some discomfort for a few days.
- You should rest and be less active for a few weeks. Your ophthalmologist will tell you when you can safely return to exercise, driving, and other activities.
- If a bubble has been placed in your eye, you will need to hold your head in a certain position for a period of time. Your retina specialist will tell you the specific position. It is very important to follow the instructions so that your eye heals well and your vision returns.
- You may see floaters, lights, or flickering bubbles for a few weeks after surgery.
- Vision should begin to improve approximately four to six weeks after surgery.
- The retina may continue to heal for a year or more after surgery. The improvement in vision depends on the damage the detachment caused to the cells of the retina.
Your ophthalmologist or retinologist should explain the risks and how surgery can benefit you.
If you suspect you have a retinal detachment, seek help immediately. At our clinic in Roatan you can book an eye exam to evaluate your retina and protect your vision.