(See also Overview of Eye Injuries.)
Usually, only part of the retina detaches (often the outside edge, or peripheral part, of the retina), but if treatment does not occur shortly after the injury, more of the retina can detach. When the retina detaches, it separates from part of its blood supply. Unless the retina is reattached soon, it may be permanently damaged by lack of blood.
Symptoms
A retinal detachment is painless and may be asymptomatic initially or if there is a small detachment. People usually have the following symptoms, which worsen as more of the retina detaches:
Peripheral vision is typically lost first, and vision loss spreads as the detachment progresses. The loss of vision causes grayness in the field of vision or resembles a curtain or veil falling across the line of sight. People may have blood in the jellylike vitreous humor near the back of the eye (vitreous hemorrhage). If the macula becomes detached, vision rapidly deteriorates, and everything becomes blurred. A person with any of these symptoms needs to see a doctor as soon as possible.
Diagnosis
Treatment
Most retinal detachments can be surgically repaired. The surgeon seals retinal tears with laser surgery or freezing therapy (cryotherapy). For large retinal detachments, the surgeon may bring the retina and the wall of the eye together either by placing a silicone band around the eye (called a scleral buckle) or by removing the vitreous jelly behind the lens and in front of the retina with surgery called a vitrectomy. A gas bubble is often used to hold and flatten the retina in place. For small detachments, the retina can be reattached using laser surgery or cryotherapy plus a gas bubble (called pneumatic retinopexy). Treatment should be completed soon after the detachment to give the best possible vision.
