[vc_row full_content_width=”row-inner-full” top=”0″ bottom=”0″][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”2934″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row top=”0″ bottom=”0″][vc_column][vc_message message_box_color=”chino”]Return to the Multimedia Learning Center Menu[/vc_message][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row top=”10px” bottom=”10px”][vc_column][vc_heading title=”Detached / Torn Retina” color=”#593939″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row top=”10px” bottom=”10px”][vc_column][vc_column_text]What is a Retina? 

The retina is similar to a camera’s film. The retina is a thin nerve layer on the back wall of your eye. It senses this light and transmits the information to your brain via the optic nerve.

What is a detachment? 

The retina can sometimes pull away from its normal position and cause a curtain or veil to be seen in the patient’s vision. This serious condition will almost always cause blindness unless treated. This is usually caused by the vitreous pulling on the retina hard enough to tear it in and lead to retinal detachment.

Warning signs

Early signs of a possible detached retina include:
-Flashes of light
-New floaters
-A gray curtain moving across your vision

While these symptoms don’t always mean you have a detached retina, you should see your ophthalmologist as soon as possible.

Surgical Options
There are several ways to fix a retinal detachment. The decision of which type of surgery and anesthesia (local or general) to use depends upon the characteristics of your detachment.

Pneumatic Retinopexy
A gas bubble is injected into the vitreous space inside the eye. The gas bubble pushes the retinal tear closed against the back wall of the eye. Your ophthalmologist will ask you to maintain a certain head position for several days. The gas bubble will gradually disappear.

Scleral Buckle
A flexible band (scleral buckle) is placed around the eye to counteract the force pulling the retina out of place. The ophthalmologist often drains the fluid under the detached retina from the eye, pulling the retina to its normal position against the back wall of the eye.

Vitrectomy
The vitreous gel, which is pulling on the retina, is removed from the eye and usually replaced with a gas bubble. Your body’s own fluids will generally replace the gas bubble.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]