How Are Retinal Detachments Diagnosed and Treated?

A Retinal detachment is serious eye condition that can lead to vision loss if not diagnosed and treated promptly. At Williamsburg Eye Care, we emphasize the importance of regular eye exams to detect any signs of retinal issues early and provide the best possible treatment.
 

What Is Retinal Detachment?

Retinal detachment occurs when the retina, a thin layer of tissue at the back of the eye, pulls away from its normal position. The retina is essential for vision, as it captures light and sends signals to the brain to create visual images. When the retina detaches, it can no longer function properly, leading to visual impairment or even permanent vision loss if left untreated.
 

Symptoms of Retinal Detachment

Optometrists are often the first line of defense in identifying the early signs of retinal detachment. While it’s important to note that retinal detachments are painless, they may present with several visual symptoms, including:
 

•           Sudden appearance of floaters (small specks or cobweb-like shapes in your vision)

•           Flashes of light in one or both eyes

•           A shadow or curtain-like effect across part of your vision

•           Blurred vision or reduced peripheral vision
 

If you experience any of these symptoms, it is crucial to schedule an eye exam immediately.
 

Diagnosing Retinal Detachments

At Williamsburg Eye Care, we use advanced diagnostic tools to detect retinal detachment and other retinal issues. These include:
 

•           Dilated Eye Exam: During a comprehensive eye exam, we use eye drops to dilate the pupil. This allows us to get a better view of the retina and detect any signs of detachment or tears.

•           Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT): OCT is a non-invasive imaging test that provides detailed cross-sectional images of the retina. This allows us to assess the layers of the retina and detect any abnormalities, including detachment.
 

Early detection is key to successful treatment, which is why routine eye exams are so important, especially for individuals at higher risk of retinal issues.
 

Treatment for Retinal Detachments

Based on the diagnosis and treatment plan, patients may be referred to a surgeon and are often followed up post-operatively at our office to streamline care. Depending on the severity and type of detachment, different treatments may be recommended:
 

•           Laser Surgery (Photocoagulation): In cases where the retina has small tears or holes but hasn’t yet fully detached, laser surgery can be used to create small burns around the tear, sealing the retina in place and preventing further detachment.

•           Cryopexy: This method uses a freezing probe to create a scar that helps seal the retina to the underlying tissue, similar to the way laser treatment works.

•           Pneumatic Retinopexy: For larger detachments, this procedure involves injecting a gas bubble into the eye. The bubble presses the retina back into place, and over time, the eye’s natural healing process will permanently reattach the retina.

•           Scleral Buckling: This is a more invasive surgery in which a flexible band is placed around the eye to help push the retina back into place. This method is often used for more complex cases.

•           Vitrectomy: In some cases, the jelly-like substance (vitreous) inside the eye is removed and replaced with a gas or oil to push the retina back into place.
 

Preventing Retinal Detachment

While not all retinal detachments can be prevented, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk:
 

•           Routine Eye Exams: Regular eye exams help detect early signs of retinal issues, especially if you’re at higher risk.

•           Eye Protection: Wearing protective eyewear during activities that pose a risk of eye injury can reduce the chances of trauma-related detachment.

•           Managing Medical Conditions: If you have diabetes or other conditions that increase your risk of retinal detachment, maintaining good control over these health issues is vital.
 

Get in Touch with Williamsburg Eye Care

At Williamsburg Eye Care, our goal is to help you maintain optimal eye health through comprehensive eye exams and advanced diagnostic technology. Retinal detachments are serious, but with prompt diagnosis and treatment, vision can often be preserved.
 

If you experience any symptoms of retinal detachment, contact Williamsburg Eye Care immediately for a thorough eye exam and expert care. Visit our office in Williamsburg, Virginia, or call (757) 564-1907 to book an appointment today.