Retinal detachment occurs when the retinal layer of the eye separates from its normal underlying layer and fluid collects beneath this detached retina. The only treatment for this is surgical and surgery should be undertaken by a specialist as early as feasible as late surgery leads to only partial benefit.
Who are at risk of RD? The chances of a developing a retinal detachment are higher in patients who • Wear high minus number glasses (high myopia) • Have a family history of retinal detachment • Have previous history of eye trauma • Have undergone complicated cataract surgery
What are the symptoms of RD? In many patients flashes of light can be seen followed by seeing black spots in the eye before any hole or break in retina develops.These retinal breaks ultimately lead to RD. Once RD develops it can lead to loss of field of vision and central vision
How can RD be detected? Whenever you have above symptoms you should undergo dilated fundus examination by a specialist by indirect ophthalmoscopy to look for any break in the retina.Persons with high myopia should undergo periodic examination of retina annually, even if they don’t have any symptoms.
Can RD be prevented?
Yes.If retina is examined at the stage of just hole or tear which has not progressed to retinal detachment, it can be sealed by laser or cryo to prevent RD.
What is the treatment of RD?
It can treated by advanced surgical procedures.The condition should be treated urgently.Any delay in treatment seriously affect the outcome.However it is not possible to regain normal vision in most of the cases after surgery.Therefore it is best to detect the disease before it has progressed to retinal detachment.