WHAT IS A RETINAL DETACHMENT ?

As the vitreous gel in the back of the eye starts to liquefy, it can separate from the retina, a condition called vitreous detachment. If the vitreous gel adheres too firmly to the retina, a retinal tear can occur with a vitreous detachment. A retinal detachment occurs when fluid leaks through the tear and separates the retina from the back of the eye.

SYMPTOMS :

Patients with a retinal tear or detachment often, but not always, have flashes and floaters as their first symptoms. This occurs as the vitreous gel detaches from the back of the eye. Other patients may have very few symptoms. Patients may describe a "curtain" being drawn across the peripheral vision or decreased peripheral vision. If untreated, most retinal detachments will cause progressive loss of vision and eventually total blindness.

LASER TREATMENT OF THE RETINA: Laser is a highly focused and concentrated beam of light that is usually performed to decrease leakage in the retina, treat abnormal blood vessel growth, or create a beneficial scarring effect that can help prevent a retinal detachment. Laser treatment is performed in our office, with no hospitalization, and generally requires no special postoperative restrictions.

Special eye drops are used to numb the eye (topical anesthesia) to reduce any discomfort during the procedure. Sometimes, an injection of local anesthesia to numb the entire area around the eye is needed.