Retinal Detachment

Retinal detachment occurs when the retina separates from the underlying layer of supporting tissue in the back of the eye. The primary cause of retinal detachment is from small holes or tears, caused by factors such as trauma, prior intraocular surgery, or degeneration in the retina. Fluid from the center of the eye can enter these tears and holes and start to peel the retina off the back of the eye.

Symptoms of retinal detachment include the development of floaters and flashes. Bleeding from the tear in the retina will cause floaters, which can come in a variety of shapes. The pulling of the vitreous (the jelly inside the eye that shrinks as we age) will cause the flashes. As the retina detaches images at the edge of one's vision will become blurry. Patients experiencing any of the symptoms associated with retinal detachment, including floaters, flashes, and blurred or darkened vision, should contact an eye doctor for an examination.

Depending on the severity of the retinal detachment there are several treatments. If a tear or hole in the retina is found it can generally be treated with laser surgery (retinopexy), or a freezing treatment (cyrotherapy) to seal the tear by securing the retina to the back of the eye. If the retina has become fully detached, a silicone band, called a scleral buckle, will be attached to the eye forcing the retina back in place. The vitreous gel may also need to be removed in order to repair the eye; this can be achieved through a surgical procedure called a vitrectomy. If the retinal detachment has affected the vision in the center of the eye, it is likely that even with surgery, this vision will not be restored. For this reason, it is important to seek immediate care if you believe you might be suffering from retinal detachment.

Diabetes and the Eye

Diabetic Retinopathy is a complication of diabetes that causes the deterioration of the blood vessels in the retina because of high levels of blood sugar. Diabetes is a condition that causes a higher level of blood sugar than normal because the body is unable to properly use and store the sugar. These abnormal blood vessels may either bleed or leak fluid, or grow on the surface of the retina causing bleeding and scarring. Both of these complications can result in permanent loss of vision.

Patients with diabetic retinopathy may not experience any changes in vision, so it is important for those with diabetes to have regular eye exams. The most common symptoms experienced are: blurred vision, sudden and severe loss in vision, rings around lights, dark spots, or flashing lights.

For slight cases of diabetic retinopathy treatment may not be necessary, but close monitoring for changes and progression is important. In more advanced cases laser photocoagulation may be performed. During this surgery the surgeon uses a laser laser to generate a quick burst of light energy to treat the leaking blood vessels and reduce the abnormal blood vessels to prevent further bleeding and scarring. If the bleeding is severe a Vitrectomy may need to be performed to remove the blood from the center of the eye. Since diabetes continuously affects the body, these treatments will not cure diabetic retinopathy.

Macular Degeneration

Macular degeneration is an age related condition, and is the most common cause of vision loss in people 55 and older. The macula, the center of vision in the retina, is damaged as the disease develops. Macular degeneration can occur in two different forms, either “wet” or “dry”. The dry type, the most common form, occurs when the tissue in the macula thins and ceases to function properly. The wet type occurs when blood vessels grow and leak, causing swelling and scarring, which can lead to a loss of central vision.

Decreased function of the central retina occurs with macular degeneration, causing vision to become hazy or blurry. Straight lines may appear wavy; objects may appear as the wrong shape or size, and it may become increasingly difficult to see objects up close. Macular degeneration increases with age, but other factors such as smoking, family history, gender and high cholesterol may accelerate the condition.

Currently there is no cure for macular degeneration, but there are certain treatments available to slow or stop the progression of the disease. Changes in diet and vitamin intake may slow dry macular degeneration. Wet macular degeneration can be treated through laser treatments and photodynamic therapy; both designed to close off the blood vessels causing the wet macular degeneration. Patients may regain a little vision through these treatments, but once vision is lost it is very hard to restore.