Retinal detachment is a medical condition in which the retina, a thin layer of tissue that lines the inside of the back of the eye, is lifted or pulled away from its usual position. This separation can lead to vision loss if not treated. Knowledge of what leads to retinal detachment may assist people in preventing any compromise of their eye health. In this article we will discuss the main types of retinal detachment, its primary causes, risk factors and when one should seek medical help.
What is Retinal Detachment?
Retinal detachment is a condition whereby the retina is pulled away from the back of the eye and thus cannot work properly. This detachment hinders the delivery of nutrients and oxygen to the retina and if not treated it leads to permanent blindness. The retina is an essential part of the eye as it is responsible for receiving and processing the light signals that allow for having a clear vision. When it detaches, it is unable to send these signals to the brain and one experiences blurred or impaired vision.
Types of Retinal Detachment
Understanding the types of retinal detachment can shed light on the different ways this condition can arise:
- Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment:
This is the most frequent type of retinal detachment experienced by patients. It develops when the retina has a tear or a break and some of the eye fluid under the retina starts to leak. The fluid pushes the retina away from the underlying layer thus causing vision complications. - Tractional Retinal Detachment:
Tractional detachment happens when the scar tissue on the retina’s surface tugs it out of place. It is commonly linked with diabetic retinopathy, a condition that affects people with diabetes and results in the scarring of the retina’s blood vessels. - Exudative Retinal Detachment:
They differ from the other two types of detachment in that they do not develop from a tear in the retina. However, this type develops when there is accumulation of fluid in the macula, which is located beneath the retina and may be as a result of inflammation, injury or existence of conditions such as tumor.
Primary Causes of Retinal Detachment
- Aging-Related Vitreous Shrinkage
As a person grows older, the vitreous gel that is found in the eye can shrink and pull away from the retina. This process can also lead to formation of retinal tears which may lead to formation of a retinal detachment. - Severe Myopia (Nearsightedness)
Grazing of high myopia or severe nearsightedness is a predisposing factor to retinal detachment. This is because the anterior chamber of the eyes of persons with high myopia is deeper than normal; an aspect that thins the retina and makes it prone to tearing. - Eye Injuries and Trauma
Retinal tears or detachment can also be caused by physical trauma to the eye or head- such as a blow. This condition can be caused by a sports injury, a car accident, or any other jolt or blow to the head. - Complications from Eye Surgeries
Other eye surgeries, particularly those done in the past for other eye complications such as cataracts, increase the possibility of retinal detachment. In eye surgery, the shape of the eye may be changed and this may cause some problems with the retina. - Diabetic Retinopathy
The condition which is caused by diabetes and affects the blood vessels of retina is diabetic retinopathy. This condition can lead to the formation of scar tissue that hauls the retina out of its normal position (tractional detachment) and a predisposition to detachment. - Inflammatory Eye Diseases
Disease of the eye such as uveitis may cause accumulation of fluid under the retina due to the inflammation. This fluid buildup can cause the retina to be separated from the back of the eye without even having a tear. - Family History and Genetics
It was also established that a person may be genetically inclined to develop retinal detachment. If other members of the family have suffered from retinal detachment, this genetic predisposition may well make some people more vulnerable. - Posterior Vitreous Detachment (PVD)
Posterior vitreous detachment is the separation of the vitreous gel that resides in the eye as a normal part of aging. There are cases when PVD can cause formation of retinal tears if the separation occurs with some force. - Extreme Physical Activity
Vigorous exercises in sports or any activity that puts pressure on the head can sometimes lead to retinal detachment especially to the people with the problems. - Tumors or Abnormal Growths in the Eye
Some types of tumors or other growths may apply pressure on the retina and cause it to separate from the underlying tissue. Exudative detachment may develop if these growths lead to serous effusion beneath the retina, which lifts it off the underlying tissue.
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Risk Factors Contributing to Retinal Detachment
Aside from direct causes, several risk factors can make individuals more susceptible to retinal detachment:
- Family History and Genetics:
This increases the risk as some genetic factors may cause poor retinal tissue quality that may easily detach. - High Myopia (Nearsightedness):
The complications are more common in those with severe myopia or nearsightedness. In high myopia, the condition of the eye is usually abnormal, and the eyeball may be longer, and the retina will be thinner, which may result in the formation of tears or detachment. - Diabetes and Related Conditions:
Diabetic retinopathy is one of the most common ways that diabetes affects the blood vessels in the retina. This condition may result in scar tissue that tugs on the retina and creates tractional detachment. - Advancing Age:
Retinal detachment is more frequent in patients over 40 years of age because the vitreous humor in the eye degenerates and starts to shrink, thus pulling away from the retina. This is a natural aging process and it makes the retina become prone to tears.
When to See a Doctor
Retinal detachment is characterized by sudden and unpredictable occurrences. Knowing the symptoms is useful if they occur so that you can quickly take action. Common warning signs include:
- Sudden Flashes of Light:
Sudden occurrence of light in the corner of eyes can be a sign of retinal problems. - Increase in Floaters:
If you experience a shower of many new floaters over the course of a few days, they could be a sign of a retinal tear or detachment. - A Curtain-Like Shadow:
Some people describe a phenomenon, where a curtain or a black screen falls over part of the visual field. The above mentioned symptom should not be overlooked and one should rush to an eye specialist as soon as possible.
If you develop any of these symptoms you should immediately seek medical advice because timely diagnosis and treatment is critical for the preservation of vision.
Knowledge of the causes and risk factors of retinal detachment can help you protect your eyes better in the future. It is therefore very important that people should ensure they take regular check ups especially for eye problems and also ensure that they are updated with information regarding the condition. If you have any questions or if you observe some signs, do not wait to consult a health care provider.
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