Retinal detachment (patient information): Difference between revisions
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* [[Ophthalmoscopy]] | * [[Ophthalmoscopy]] | ||
* [[Refraction test]] | * [[Refraction test]] | ||
* [[Retinal photography]] | * [[Fundus camera|Retinal photography]] | ||
* Test to determine your ability to see colors properly (color defectiveness) | * Test to determine your ability to see colors properly (color defectiveness) | ||
* [[Visual acuity]] | * [[Visual acuity]] | ||
Revision as of 19:07, 19 January 2010
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What is retinal detachment?
Retinal detachment is an eye disorder in which the retina, the light-sensitive membrane in the back of the eye, separates from its underlying layer of support tissue. Initial detachment may be localized, but without rapid treatment the entire retina may detach, leading to vision loss and blindness.
What are the symptoms of retinal detachment?
- Bright flashes of light, especially in peripheral vision
- Blurred vision
- A sudden or gradual increase in the number of floaters in the eye
- Shadow or blindness in a part of the visual field of one eye
- Appearance of a curtain over the field of vision
What are the causes of retinal detachment?
Retinal detachments are often associated with a tear or hole in the retina through which eye fluids may leak. This causes separation of the retina from the underlying tissues.
Retinal detachment often occurs on its own without an underlying cause. However, it may also be caused by trauma, diabetes, an inflammatory disorder. It is most often caused by a related condition called posterior vitreous detachment.
The risk factors are previous eye surgery, nearsightedness, a family history of retinal detachment, uncontrolled diabetes, and trauma.
Who is at risk for retinal detachment?
A retinal detachment can occur at any age, but it is more common in people over age 40. It affects men more than women, and Whites more than African Americans.
A retinal detachment is also more likely to occur in people who:
- Are extremely nearsighted
- Have had a retinal detachment in the other eye
- Have a family history of retinal detachment
- Have had cataract surgery
- Have other eye diseases or disorders, such as retinoschisis, uveitis, degenerative myopia, or lattice degeneration
- Have had an eye injury
How to know you have retinal detachment?
Tests will be done to check the retina and pupil response and your ability to see colors properly. These may include:
- Electroretinogram (a record of the electrical currents in the retina produced by visual stimuli)
- Fluorescein angiography
- Intraocular pressure determination
- Ophthalmoscopy
- Refraction test
- Retinal photography
- Test to determine your ability to see colors properly (color defectiveness)
- Visual acuity
- Slit lamp examination
- Ultrasound of the eye
When to seek urgent medical care
Treatment options
Diseases with similar symptoms
Where to find medical care for retinal detachment
Directions to Hospitals Treating retinal detachment