Retinal
Detachment
Retinal
Detachment
Retinal detachment is a
condition in which the innermost layer of the eye called the
neurosensory retina detaches from its underlying layer with the
accumulation of fluid underneath.
1. Who
can get Retinal detachment?
Myopic patients, Aphakic patients (patients with no
intraocular lens following cataract surgery), Trauma, Diabetes are
among some of the leading causes for Retinal detachment.
2. What are the symptoms of Retinal detachment?
Symptoms suggestive of Retinal detachment are
Flashes, Floaters, Fall in vision like a curtain from one side,
Diminision of vision. However decreased vision occurs only after some
time following retinal detachment and indicates poorer prognosis.
Hence it is essential to get oneself examined if they see a cobweb
like pattern, or mosquito like objects flying around in their field of
vision, or even flashes of light appearing spontaneously.
3. Is Retinal Detachment an emergency?
Yes, a fresh Retinal detachment with recent onset
of symptoms is an emergency and the visual outcome is related to the
timing of surgery among other factors.
4. What kind of treatments are available for preventing retinal detachment?
Predisposing
lesions can be treated with either cryotherapy or with the latest
laser photocoagulation which causes little discomfort as compared to
cryotherapy which may be painful at times .
At Sri Venkateshwara Nethralaya, we have excellent
facilities to prevent Retinal detachment and treat its predisposing
lesions including IRIDEX GREEN LASER, SLIT LAMP DELIVERY AND LASER
DELIVERY, ETC.
5. What are the types of surgeries available for Retinal
Detachment?
Once
Retinal Detachment has occurred there are 3 main treatment methods
namely Pneumatic retinopexy, Scleral buckling, and vitreo retinal
surgery, the choice of a particular treatment method is determined
by the nature of the disease.
At Sri Venkateshwara Nethralaya, we have all the
facilities specifically designed to treat this condition.
Our Vitreoretinal surgeon Dr K.Saravana has
qualified from the prestigious All India Institute of Medical
Sciences, New Delhi, and having done his fellowship and Senior
Residency under the Universally acclaimed Retinal expert Professor
Dr H.K. Tewari(AIIMS,NEW DELHI) and is proficient in managing all
types of complicated retinal DETACHMENTS. .
6. Will I recover my vision
following surgery?
Visual
recovery is related to 1)duration between the onset of the Retinal
Detachment and the surgical intervention 2) Nature of the Retinal
detachment 3) associated complications 4)Anatomic success of the
procedure.
Visual recovery ranges from 10%-90% and is highly
case specific.
7. What are the potential
complications of surgery?
Corneal
decompensation, Glaucoma, Cataract, Failure to anatomically reattach
the retina , optic atrophy etc are some of the vision threatening
complications of surgery that have been frequently reported.
Other minor complications include inadequate gas
fill, silicon oil reaction, uveitis etc which can be well controlled
with post operative medications.
8. What do I
need to do to protect my other
eye? 
Careful
examination of the retina for any weak areas which may require
treatment in the form of laser delimitation must be performed once
every 6 months or more frequently if required in order to prevent a
Retinal detachment. However if one notices symptoms like flashes and
floaters, an immediate dilated fundus examination is warranted.
VENKATESWARA NETHRALAYA