Retinal Detachment Specialist

What is a retinal detachment?

A retinal detachment is an emergency situation in which your retina pulls away from the back of your eye. When this occurs, your retina can't sense light or transmit images to your brain, which causes vision loss. There are three types of retinal detachment:

Rhegmatogenous

Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment, the most common form, happens when a rip or small hole in your retina creates a space for fluid to gather beneath it. This cuts off the retina's blood supply and causes the detachment. Aging is the main cause of this type of retinal detachment. 

Tractional

Tractional retinal detachment occurs when scar tissue accumulates on your retina and peels it away from the back of your eye. This kind of detachment may occur in people who have diabetic retinopathy, eye infections, or eye disease.

Exudative

Exudative retinal detachment occurs when fluid accumulates under your retina, but you don't have a rip or other opening for the fluid to enter. Once significant fluid builds up, it may force your retina off your back eye wall to cause the detachment. 

Exudative retinal detachment can happen because of eye trauma, macular degeneration, inflammatory eye disease, and other causes.

Regardless of the type, retinal detachment is serious. It’s important to have regular eye checkups, and to know the symptoms so you can seek help immediately if they occur. 

What are the symptoms of a retinal detachment?

The most common symptoms of retinal detachment include:

• Floaters (floating spots or shapes)
• Flashes (flashes or streaks of light)
• Shadowed peripheral vision
• Gray curtain that covers part of your visual field
  
  

Retinal detachment symptoms are serious and require immediate attention. These symptoms can also happen with other eye problems like posterior vitreous detachment, a condition that is a normal part of aging. 

But posterior vitreous detachment is usually harmless, while retinal detachment can cause irreversible blindness. So it's important to see Dr. O'Connell for a proper diagnosis and necessary treatment right away.

How is retinal detachment treated?

At InSight Retina Consultants, P.C., Dr. O'Connell can see you on an urgent basis if you're having retinal detachment symptoms. The faster you get the necessary surgery, the more likely you are to save your vision. 

There are a variety of different surgical procedures to eliminate excess fluid under your retina, heal tears, and restore the retina to its proper position. Dr. O'Connell recommends the procedure best suited for your type of retinal detachment and specific situation.

For retina detachment care from an expert surgeon, call InSight Retina Consultants, P.C., or click on the scheduling tool now.