Retinal Detachment

Medical emergency requiring urgent surgical intervention

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MEDICAL EMERGENCY

Retinal detachment is a serious condition where the retina separates from underlying tissue. This requires urgent surgical intervention to prevent permanent vision loss. Call immediately if you experience symptoms!

What is Retinal Detachment?

Retinal detachment occurs when the retina separates from the back wall of the eye, losing its blood supply. This separation prevents the retina from functioning properly and requires immediate medical intervention to prevent permanent vision loss.

Types of Retinal Detachment

Rhegmatogenous (Most Common)

Caused by holes or tears in the retina that allow fluid to seep underneath and separate the retina from the underlying tissue. This is the most frequent type of retinal detachment.

Tractional

Occurs when scar tissue on the retina's surface contracts and pulls the retina away from the back of the eye. Often associated with diabetic retinopathy or other conditions causing scarring.

Exudative (Serous)

Results from fluid leaking beneath the retina without any tears or holes. Often caused by inflammation, injury, or vascular abnormalities.

Understanding the Disease

Risk Factors

  • • Lattice degeneration
  • • High myopia (nearsightedness)
  • • Previous eye trauma or surgery
  • • Posterior vitreous detachment
  • • Family history of retinal detachment
  • • Advanced age
  • • Previous retinal detachment in other eye
  • • Certain eye diseases or conditions

Symptoms

⚠️ CALL IMMEDIATELY if you experience these symptoms

  • • Sudden increase in floaters
  • • Flashing lights in vision
  • • Shadow or curtain in peripheral vision
  • • Gradual reduction in side vision
  • • May be initially asymptomatic
  • • Sudden vision loss (in severe cases)

Diagnostic Methods

Dilated Fundus Examination

Comprehensive retinal evaluation

OCT Imaging

Detailed cross-sectional images

Ultrasound

When view is obscured

Visual Field Testing

Assesses peripheral vision loss

Emergency Treatment Options

Scleral Buckle

A silicone band placed around the eye to provide external support and close retinal tears

Pneumatic Retinopexy

Gas bubble injection with specific head positioning to seal retinal tears

Vitrectomy

Surgical removal of vitreous gel to directly reattach the retina

Laser Photocoagulation

Laser treatment to seal retinal tears and prevent detachment

Prevention & Management

  • • Regular comprehensive eye exams
  • • Prompt treatment of retinal tears
  • • Eye protection during sports/activities
  • • Awareness of warning symptoms
  • • Management of underlying conditions
  • • Immediate medical attention for symptoms

Excellent Prognosis with Prompt Treatment

When retinal tears are treated promptly before detachment occurs, the prognosis is excellent. Even with established detachment, reattachment surgery is usually successful when performed promptly. Early detection and treatment are crucial for preserving vision.

EMERGENCY CONTACT

Call 574-291-4000 immediately | Fax: 260-279-3211

Frequently Asked Questions

Where should I go for a retinal detachment near South Bend?

A retinal detachment is an emergency. North Indiana Retina in Mishawaka, IN offers same-day evaluation and surgical repair for patients from South Bend, Elkhart, Granger and all of Michiana. Call 574-291-4000 immediately if you notice a shadow or curtain in your vision.

What are the warning signs of a retinal detachment?

A sudden shower of new floaters, flashes of light, and a dark shadow or curtain spreading across part of your vision are the classic warning signs. A retinal tear can often be sealed with laser before it progresses to a detachment, so do not wait to be seen.

How is a retinal detachment repaired?

Depending on the type and location of the detachment, options include pneumatic retinopexy (a gas bubble injected in the office), scleral buckle surgery, or vitrectomy surgery, sometimes combined. Our surgeons will recommend the approach that gives the best chance of reattachment for your eye.

How soon does a retinal detachment need surgery?

When the macula (center of the retina) is still attached, surgery is usually performed within a day or two to protect central vision. If the macula is already detached, repair is still done promptly, typically within several days.