Although painless, retinal detachment is a severe disorder. It could lead to complete blindness if neglected. Most retinal detachments can be effectively treated if they are discovered early. Your best line of defense, especially if you fall into a higher-risk category, is an early diagnosis of visual disturbance symptoms. The good news is preventive care can effectively protect your eyes.
As you age, your eyes become prone to many disorders, such as shortsightedness and blurry vision. The eyes are a critical part of the body, and any symptoms that may affect your eyesight should be addressed quickly. Thus, it’s imperative to go for regular eye checkups. Your doctor may carry out different eye exams and recommend various types of treatment.
Like any other disease, retinal detachment has myths that may compromise the treatment process. This article separates mistaken beliefs from proven facts.
What is Retinal Detachment?
Retinal detachment or torn retina is a condition that occurs when your retina separates from the back of the eye. The retina is a cluster of special light-sensitive cells at the back of the eye, which processes light. Retinal detachment involves the retina pulling away or separating from the membrane under it.
In normal circumstances, light entering the eye through the pupil comes into focus on the retina. The lens focuses an image on your retina, which converts the image to signals and sends them to the brain via the optic nerve. The retina doesn’t work in isolation- it works with the cornea, lens, and brain to produce clear vision.
You could suffer permanent vision loss when the retina separates from the back of the eye and fails to work correctly. A detached retina becomes deprived of the necessary oxygen and nourishment.
Torn Retina: Myths and Facts
Many myths and facts sound the condition, including:
1. All Retinal Detachments are a Surgical Emergency
It would help if you considered retinal detachments as a surgical urgency. However, not all retinal detachments require urgent actions. A professional doctor will determine whether the case is critical by deciding whether the fovea is attached. Your ophthalmologist will use OCT imaging to ascertain the presence of fovea and assess the extent of macula involvement.
All retinal detachments may appear as emergency cases, but not all require surgical urgency. Talk to your eye doctor about your problem; they will advise or recommend the best medical attention.
2. Retinal Detachment Develops Only After Accidents
This is outrightly false. Retinal detachment may occur in any healthy person, like any other eye problem. The separation of the retina from the rest of the eye happens even when there are no eye injuries. An accident is only one of the causes and not necessarily the sole cause of retinal detachment.
3. Retinal Detachment is Painful
This is not true. There are no pains associated with a torn retina. Patients with the condition will tell you they only experience a vision change. However, your eyes may turn sore or red, which might not be painful.
4. You May Board A Bus or Book a Flight Home Immediately After the Surgery
Several complications could arise after retinal detachment surgery. You should only leave the hospital or go back home on the advice of your ophthalmologist. Your doctor will advise you on the best mode of transport and any after-surgery care.
5. Retinal Detachment Only Develops in One Eye
The eye is a susceptible part of the body. An infection on one eye is more likely to spread to the other without adequate precaution. Likewise, retinal detachment is expected to affect the other eye. Ensure you heed your doctor’s advice and avoid rubbing your eyes.
6. Retinal Detachment Progresses Very Slowly
No eye condition is more progressive than retinal detachment. This is a rapidly progressive emergency condition that requires a more urgent approach. The progression rate may vary from days to weeks, depending on age and the number of retinal tears.
7. Retinal Detachment May Not Recur
This is false. Retinal detachment is highly likely to re-appear even after a successful surgery. You may need several surgeries to remove recurring tears or detachments. Even after successful surgery, you should have regular eye exams to detect recurrence.
According to the National Institute of Health report, retinal detachment recurrence rates vary from 21% to 77%. Significant causes of recurrence include poor treatment and vitreous base traction.
8. Retinal Detachment Surgery Is the Same for Every Patient
Wrong. The disorder comes in various forms, and surgical techniques also vary. Your doctor will customize the surgery depending on its severity and medical history.
9. My Vision Will Suddenly Improve After Retinal Detachment Surgery
The irony is that retinal detachment occurs very fast and requires immediate treatment. However, the recovery process is prolonged. It may take several months to see it correctly again.
10. You Will Only Need a Few Postoperative Follow-Up Examinations After Retinal Surgery
Retinal detachment is among the most complex eye disorders. Even after successful surgery, your ophthalmologist will follow up for several years, and you may be required to undergo repeat surgery.
11. The Silicone Oil Inserted in the Eye is Never Removed
The timing may differ, but the ophthalmologist will eventually remove the silicon through another procedure. The silicone might stay in your eyes longer if you cannot fulfill corporate postoperative positioning requirements. Most patients report that silicon is surgically removed from their eyes after six months.
You may or may not regain your vision after retinal surgery. Regaining your vision may depend on the success of the surgery, duration, location, and extent of the detachment.
Takeaway
Retinal detachment is painless but a severe condition. If left untreated, it could cause total blindness. Common retinal detachment symptoms such as sudden eye floaters and darkening of your vision should be a severe cause of alarm. Call your ophthalmologist or visit the nearest eye care center immediately.
