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Retinal Detachment

Condition

Retinal Detachment

Retinal detachment is an ocular emergency condition in which the retina has peeled away from its place on the back wall of the eye. Left untreated, it can cause permanent vision damage. Many factors can lead to retinal detachment.

An Overview: Retinal Detachment

At a Glance:

  • An emergency condition that, left untreated, can lead to devastating vision damage
  • Any portion of the retina that is detached cannot send signals to the brain
  • It is treatable but requires immediate medical attention
  • Symptoms may include floaters, flashing lights, or a shadow or curtain in peripheral vision
  • Retina Specialists at CODET Vision Institute in Tijuana, Mexico, are experts in Retinal Detachment treatment and surgery

Retinal detachment occurs when the retina’s layers separate. Any portion of the retina that is detached cannot send visual signals to the brain. If left untreated, retinal detachment can cause devastating damage to an individual’s vision. It is considered an ocular emergency that requires immediate medical attention.

It is possible for a patient to have some retinal detachment without being aware of it or noticing any changes in their vision. Symptom severity is often a function of the extent of the detachment. There are three broad categories of causes: 

  1. Rhegmatogenous are the most common, caused by a hole or tear in the retina, which allows fluid to pass through and collect underneath the retina.
  2. Tractional is caused by scar tissue that grows on the surface of the retina. This can be due to diabetes or other underlying condition.
  3. Exudative is the rarest cause that may occur due to unusual eye inflammation or leakage from abnormal blood vessels collected under the retina.

As with many eye conditions, advanced age and family history of the condition are risk factors. Lattice degeneration, an abnormal thinning of the peripheral retina, increases the risk of detachment or tear and prior history of retinal detachment or previous eye surgery, such as for cataracts. Retinal detachment can also result from trauma and is a risk in several sports.

The fundamental treatment is surgical. There are four main techniques used to repair retinal detachment. All have the same goal of reattaching the retina and sealing any holes or tears caused by the detachment. 

Retinal detachment repairs succeed in about 9 out of 10 cases. The results to a patient’s vision depend on several factors, including location of detachment, underlying patient conditions, and pre-operative vision. In all cases, CODET surgeons perform a full examination and set of diagnostic tests for each patient and their unique eyes, then consult with the patient to discuss all other relevant factors and expectations.

Spectralis (Heidelberg)

About our Technology and Facilities

CODET Vision Institute in Tijuana, Mexico, has the most up-to-date and advanced surgical equipment for eyes in the world, including the following, which are used to diagnose and treat retina conditions:

  • Constellation
  • EasyRet Laser
  • IRIDEX Micropulse Laser
  • Stellaris
  • Oertli
  • EIBOS

What is Retinal Detachment?

A quick and easy look.

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