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Retinal Detachment

Retinal Detachment

Retinal detachment is a separation of the light-sensitive tissue in the back of the eye from its supporting layers. A detached retina is a serious medical emergency that can lead to permanent loss of vision and possibly blindness if left untreated.

Typically, retinal detachment results from a tearing of the retina. This may also cause bleeding of blood vessels inside the eye, which can leak into the normally clear vitreous gel, and severely impair vision. The macula, the small area of the retina responsible for our fine central vision, may also become detached, in which case complete loss of clear vision may occur.

Symptoms of a Retinal Detachment

Symptoms of a detached retina typically appear suddenly and may include any of the following:

  • Flashes of light
  • Floaters
  • Loss of central vision
  • A shadow covering any portion of the visual field

If you experience any of the symptoms described above, it is essential that you contact one of our doctors at Retina Macula Specialists of Miami to arrange an urgent consultation.

Causes of a Retinal Detachment

Retinal detachment is most commonly the result of a retinal tear following an acute posterior vitreous detachment (and therefore, typically a result of age). Other causes of retinal detachment include:

  • Nearsightedness
  • Cataract surgery
  • YAG laser
  • Trauma
  • Family history of retinal detachment
  • Inflammation
  • Diabetic retinopathy
  • Tumor

Diagnosis of a Retinal Detachment

Physical examination of the eye and the following diagnostic tests are used to diagnose a retinal detachment and develop an effective and prompt treatment plan:

  • Visual acuity testing
  • Slit-lamp examination
  • Dilated eye examination
  • Ultrasound of the eye
  • Optical coherence tomography (OCT)

Treatment of a Retinal Detachment

There are many ways to manage a retinal detachment, and treatment is personalized to the patient and his/her type of retinal detachment. Treatment options include:

  • Vitrectomy
  • Scleral buckling
  • Pneumatic retinopexy
  • Laser photocoagulation
  • Cryotherapy (freezing of the retina)

Vitrectomy involves the surgical extraction of the clear gel in the back of the eye, called the vitreous, which is then replaced with air, special gas, or silicone oil to help hold the retina in place until it reattaches itself. Postoperative positioning (e.g. face down) is typically required to facilitate reattachment of the retina.

Scleral buckling involves the use of a silicone band that is placed around the eye. The band moves the wall of the eye closer to the detached retina, thereby helping the retina reattach.

Both vitrectomy and scleral buckling are performed in the operating room as an outpatient surgical procedure.

Pneumatic retinopexy is performed in the office setting (as opposed to the operating room) and involves sealing the causative retinal tear with cryotherapy or laser photocoagulation and injecting a special gas to reattach the retina. This procedure is typically reserved for retinal detachments limited to one causative break in the top portion of the retina.

Most surgeries to repair a retinal detachment are successful. In some cases, a second procedure will need to be performed. After a successful procedure, vision will take time to improve but may not return to previous levels of acuity.

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Retina Macula Specialists of Miami - North Office North Office

Retina Macula Specialists of Miami - LeJeune Road Office LeJeune Road Office
351 NW 42nd Avenue
Suite 501
MiamiFlorida  33126

Phone: 305-643-8871
Fax: 305-643-8872
Retina Macula Specialists of Miami - South Office South Office
6705 Red Road
Suite 514
Coral GablesFlorida  33143

Phone: 305-666-8850
Fax: 305-666-0992


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