Retinal Detachment
Retinal detachment may not initially cause pain or vision loss, but it can lead to blindness if left untreated.
The doctors of Monterey County Eye Associates have multiple methods of repairing retinal tears and treating retinal detachment.
Learn more about the advanced retinal treatment available at our eye care centers in Monterey, Salinas, and King City, CA...
What Is Retinal Detachment?
The retina is the light-sensitive tissue located at the back of the eye. It is essential for proper vision. Retinal detachment is when the retina comes loose from its supporting tissues. A retinal tear is when part of the retina is damaged. A torn retina can lead to detachment without prompt treatment.
Flashes and Floaters
Flashes and floaters are the most common early warning signs of retinal damage.
Flashes appear as bright spots or streaks of light. Some people also describe their flashes as bolts of lightning or bursts similar to fireworks. Floaters are solidified particles of vitreous gel within the eye. Many people liken floaters to cobwebs, dark spots, and squiggly lines drifting through their field of vision.
If you experience sudden flashes or floaters, be sure to contact our eye care offices in Monterey County to set up an appointment.
Additional Symptoms
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In addition to flashes and floaters, retinal tears and detachment can also cause a dark curtain or shadow to fall over your field of vision, as well as the loss of your peripheral vision. If you notice any of the symptoms we've listed, it's crucial that you schedule an appointment as soon as possible. The fastest way to get in touch is by calling our office: (831) 424-1150.
What Causes Retinal Detachment? Comparing the Types of the Condition
Treatments for Retinal Detachment
Photocoagulation
A treatment for retinal tears, photocoagulation is a type of laser surgery. The laser targets tears in the retina. The resulting scar helps seal the tear and hold the retinal tissue in place.Cryopexy
Another treatment option for retinal tears, cryopexy uses similar principles as photocoagulation. Rather than a laser, intense cold from a freezing probe is used to repair the torn retina.Pneumatic Retinopexy
Pneumatic retinopexy uses a bubble of air or gas injected into the eye to push the detached retina back into position. Cryopexy is then used to mend the damaged retinal tissue.Scleral Buckling
Scleral buckling creates an indentation on the surface of the eye. Suturing the white portion of the eye can relieve the tugging of the vitreous on a person's retinal tissue.Vitrectomy
A vitrectomy involves the removal of the vitreous gel within the eye. The vitreous is replaced with air, gas, or silicone oil until the bodily fluid naturally replenishes itself.Retinal detachment may not initially cause pain or vision loss, but it can lead to blindness if left untreated.
Macular Degeneration
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of vision loss in people 60 years old and older. The condition involves the gradual deterioration of the macula (the central portion of the retina) and its blood vessels. AMD often presents no initial symptoms, though eventually causes blurry vision, dark or blurry spots in your central vision, and diminished color perception.
Although macular degeneration is incurable, lifestyle and dietary changes can slow its progression if caught early. For more advanced cases of AMD, treatments include medication and laser therapy.
Diabetic Eye Care
Diabetic retinopathy is a diabetes-related condition in which the blood vessels that nourish the retina become blocked. The eye responds by growing new blood vessels, but these new blood vessels grow abnormally. Without treatment, the blood vessels can leak into the retina, resulting in vision loss.
For early-stage non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR), lifestyle changes and non-invasive techniques may be sufficient for managing the disease. For advanced or proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR), surgery may be necessary to prevent blindness.
