The function of the retina is to transform into nerve impulses the images that impinge on it and send them to the brain through the optic nerve. This thin layer of nerve tissue covers the entire interior of the eyeball and is attached to another tissue, known as pigment epithelium. Retinal detachment occurs precisely when the retina, even if only in a small area of all its extension, is separated from the tissue that serves as a support, which causes the affected area to stop working and to even break. If the problem is not treated quickly, the damage suffered by the retina can be irreversible and even cause blindness.
The factors causing retinal detachment are very different. There is usually a personal or family predisposition to having a weak retina. Another possible cause that facilitates the appearance of retinal detachment is severe myopia.
In healthy people, however, it can happen as a result of a direct trauma experienced by the eyeball.
But it is also possible that there is a complication of other eye diseases in which there is inflammation and internal bleeding.
Other types of detachments are those caused by diabetes. One of the most severe complications of advanced diabetic retinopathy is retinal detachment by traction. They are very complex cases to resolve through surgery and imply severe visual limitation.
Retinal detachment does not cause pain. Its symptoms are always visual. The first noticeable symptom is usually the sudden and intense appearance of what are called floating bodies or flies, which in this case are presented as dark spots that change position when moving the eye. However, the symptoms that should be a clear warning and lead to urgent consultation with the ophthalmologist are the following:
Recognizing the symptoms and reacting immediately by going to an emergency department to consult a specialist is essential, since the retinal detachment can cause irreparable damage if not treated in its initial stages. Retinal detachment is a complaint given priority attention in ophthalmology and its treatment should not be delayed.
The options currently available for the treatment of retinal detachment are different and it may be necessary to combine several of them:
