Retinal Detachment - Hong Kong Laser Eye Centre

1. What is Retinal Detachment

The retina is a thin and sensitive tissue that is arranged behind the eyeball. Like a film in a camera, the retina converts the optical image into a nerve pulse, transmitted through the optic nerve and seen as the vision in the brain.

In most cases, retinal detachment is caused by retinal rupture in the retina, which allows fluid to enter beneath the retinal space, causing the retina to separate from the back of the eyeball. Since the separated retina is partially deprived of blood and nutrient supply, it will degrade and not work properly.

Without prompt treatment, it will lead to Vision damage and blindness in the affected eye.

2. Symptoms of Retinal Detachment

Before this happens, there are signs and symptoms that can alert one to the possible onset of retinal detachment

The sudden appearance of floaters, and they are getting more and more
Flashes or black shadows
Partial vision loss
Sudden onset of blurred or distorted Vision
If the retina is totally detached, it can cause permanent vision loss
Some patients have no warning signs at all

3. How to Prevent Retinal Detachment

Retinal detachment can occur at any age, but more common in people over 40 years of age. It usually affects more on men. Retinal detachment is also more likely to occur in the following population:

High myopia (Myopia over -6.00) or Pathological Myopia (Myopia over -10.00)
Have had a retinal detachment before
Have a family history of retinal detachment
Have had cataract surgery
Have other eye diseases or disorders, such as retinoschisis, uveitis, degenerative myopia, or lattice degeneration
Have had an eye injury

Pars Plana Vitrectomy (PPV)

Pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of vitreous gel from the eye. Instruments are introduced into the eye through the pars plana, and injects other fluids (saline liquid, gas or silicone oil) to replace the vitreous humor that ordinarily fills up the inner chambers of the eye. This helps flatten a detached retina and keep it attached to its original position.

Non-PPV Surgery
A gas bubble is injected into the eye, this pushes the wall of the eye against the detached retina, allowing it to re-attach. Then ophthalmologists apply laser or freezing treatment to seal the retinal hole. If there is too much fluid in the bottom area of the retina, ophthalmologists may first remove the fluid and sew one or more silicone bands or tyres to the sclera to enhance the attachment of the retina.

Pneumatic Retinopexy
Cryotherapy
Scleral Encircling & Buckling Surgery