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Anyone who is beginning to experience these symptoms should see an eye doctor (ophthalmologist) for a retinal exam. What are the signs and symptoms of a retinal detachment?įlashing lights and floaters may be the initial symptoms of a retinal detachment or of a retinal tear that precedes the detachment itself. The second eye, however, must be checked thoroughly for any signs of predisposing factors that may lead to detachment in the future. A retinal detachment almost always affects only one eye.
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As more of the liquid vitreous collects behind the retina, the extent of the retinal detachment can progress and involve the entire retina, leading to a total retinal detachment. The build-up of fluid behind the retina is what separates (detaches) the retina from the back of the eye. Once the retina has torn, liquid from the vitreous gel can then pass through the tear and accumulate behind the retina. Retinal tears are sometimes accompanied by bleeding if a retinal blood vessel is included in the tear. Most retinal breaks are not a result of injury. As the vitreous gel pulls loose, it will sometimes exert traction on the retina, and if the retina is weak, the retina will tear. The vitreous is a clear gel that fills 2/3 of the inside of the eye and occupies the space in front of the retina. These retinal breaks may occur when the vitreous gel pulls loose or separates from its attachment to the retina, usually in the peripheral parts of the retina. Most retinal detachments are a result of a retinal break, hole, or tear. What is a retinal detachment?Ī retinal detachment is a separation of the retina from its attachments to its underlying tissue within the eye. Accordingly, it enables clear central vision to see fine details for such activities as reading or threading a needle. The macula is a small central area of the retina that contains a high concentration of vision receptors. It consists of a central area called the macula and a much larger peripheral retina. The retina is about the size of a postage stamp. The light image is focused onto the retina by the cornea and the lens. When we look around, light from the objects we are trying to see enters the eye. The retina is an extremely thin tissue that lines the inside of the back of the eye. What are the results of surgery for a retinal detachment? What is the retina? What are the complications of surgery for a retinal detachment? Why is it mandatory to treat retinal detachments? What other factors are associated with a retinal detachment?
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How does cataract surgery lead to a retinal detachment? Which diseases of the eyes predispose to the development of a retinal detachment? What are the risk factors for developing a retinal detachment? Posterior vitreous detachment.What are the signs and symptoms of a retinal detachment? Psychological distress in patients with symptomatic vitreous floaters. Is posterior vitreous detachment a serious eye problem?Īmerican Academy of Ophthalmology. Vitreous detachment.Īmerican Academy of Ophthalmology. Vitreous detachment.Ĭolumbia University Department of Ophthalmology. doi:10.5493/3.30Īmerican Society of Retina Specialists.
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Spontaneous posterior vitreous detachment: A glance at the current literature. What are floaters and flashes?Īmerican Academy of Ophthalmology. What are symptoms of a PVD?Īmerican Academy of Ophthalmology.
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