Retinal detachment is a sight threatening condition that affects approximately 1 in 10000 individuals worldwide. Previously thought to be a permanently blinding condition, great advancements in the field have lead to the development of surgical techniques that can repair retinal detachments.
Retinal detachment occurs when the retina (the thin lining at the back of the eye) begins to pull away from the blood vessels that supply it with oxygen and nutrients. Retinal detachment can be falsely diagnosed as retinoschisis or choroidal mass. Retinal detachment is more often confused with retinoschisis. Retinoschsis can be distinguished from retinal detachment by appearance on ultrasound, uptake of light observed in retinoschisis, and absolute with retinoschisis versus relative blind spots in retinal detachment. Choroidal masses can be distinguished from retinal detachment through ultrasound imaging.
Individuals who are at risk of their retina detaching may notice several warning signs that occur prior to retinal detachment. It is important that these can be recognised as a potential issue. The warning signs associated with retinal attachment are outlined below.
Although retinal detachment is in itself painless, it is important to go see an eye health professional if you begin to notice any of the above symptoms.
There are three different types of retinal detachment:
Rhegmatogenous
Rhegmatogenous retinal detachments are the most common and are caused by a hole or tear in the retina which results in the infiltration of fluid to the sub-retinal layers. The fluid then causes the retina to pull away from the underlying tissues. The areas where the retina detaches is cut off from its blood supply therefore effectively losing its source of oxygen and nutrients, causing vision loss.
The most common cause of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment is ageing. As we age the gel like substance in our eyes, known as vitreous, begins to change consistency and shrink away from the retina. In most cases this causes no harm to the retina, however, at times this can cause a slight hole, or tear. If left untreated the liquid vitreous can enter the sub-retinal layers causing retinal detachment.
Tractional
Tractional retinal detachment occurs most often when scar tissue grow on the retina causing the retina to pull away from the back of the eye. Tractional retinal detachment is most commonly observed in individuals who already have known eye complications or uncontrolled diabetes.
Exudative
Exudative retinal detachment describes the accumulation of fluid in the subretinal layers without the presence of a hole or tear. Exudative retinal detachment can be caused by eye injury, tumours, inflammatory disorders or age-related macular degeneration.
Risk factors associated with retinal detachment include but are not limited to:
Patients who present with symptoms of new onset of flashes or persistent new floaters should be suspected of having a retinal tear. A patient with slowly progressive visual field loss should be suspected of having a retinal detachment and treated accordingly. Doctors will perform a number of clinical tests and obtain both medical and family history in order to ensure the correct diagnosis is achieved.
Basic eye health examinations will likely be performed. These include visual acuity examinations, pupil response, visual field testing, and intraocular pressure. Doctors will also use an ophthalmascope, a device similar to a magnifying glass connected to a bright light, which enables them to visualise the back of the eye and to identify the presence of holes or tears or any areas of retinal detachment.
A painless imaging technique known as optical coherence tomography (OCT) may also be used to obtain a cross-sectional view of the retina and identify areas of retinal detachment.
Before beginning treatment it is essential that the exact type of retinal detachment that has occurred is recognised. Both rhegmatogenous and tractional retinal detachment benefit from surgical intervention.
For rhegmatogenous detachments, all tears or holes present in the retina should be identified, treated and closed. There are a number of treatment options for this including a scleral buckle and vitrectomy.
A vitrectomy is when the surgeon removes the vitreous gel from inside the eye to prevent it from pulling further on the retina. The vitreous gel is then replaced with a mixture of gas and air. The air/gas bubble puts pressure on the edges of the macular hole encouraging it to heal.
A scleral buckle is a piece of silicone, sponge, or rubber, that is sewn on to the outside of the eye to the sclera (the white part of the eye). The material “buckles” the sclera toward the middle of the. This motion reduces the “pull” or traction of the retina, allowing the tear to settle and heal against the retinal wall.
Exudus retinal detachments should be treated by first treating the primary cause. If there is a mass identified this should be removed. Inflammatory diseases should be identified and treated accordingly.
No matter what level of vision a person may have, it is important to look after the eyes. To find out more about what can be done to take care of the eyes on a daily basis, please visit our Tips for Good Eye Health.
For further information, please contact the Research Department on 01 6789004 or email research@fightingblindness.ie.
Researchers and clinicians are continually seeking more effective approaches to treat retinal detachment. Despite already having effective treatments, some clinicians are aware of the continuing retinal cell death in patients with retinal detachment following treatment and are looking to address the root of the problem.
A clinical trial that is currently active is investigating the potential condition causing cytokines (immune response elements in the body) that may be present in the vitreous of the eye. This trial can be viewed in full on the clinical trials website.
Information about other clinical trials that are on-going and completed can be found on the clinical trials website and can be searched by both condition and location.
Receiving a diagnosis can be overwhelming for anyone, but this is not a journey that you have to make alone. There are many groups and resources available to provide support for people living with retinal detachment.
Fighting Blindness offers a free and confidential counselling service (Insight Counselling). For further information please contact insight@fightingblindness.ie or call 01 6746496.
A mindfulness group is also available on every Wednesday at the Fighting Blindness office at 11am.
For technology support and guidance, the Dublin-based Technology Exchange Club meets every Monday at the Fighting Blindness office at 11am. Another Technology Exchange Club, based in Cork, meet every Saturday in the Cork City Library, Grand Parade, Cork City at 11am. The Cork-based club do not meet on Bank Holiday weekends or on the second Saturday of the month. For further information please contact insight@fightingblindness.ie or call 01 6746496.
Féach provides support for parents of children living with sight loss in Ireland.
ChildVision is the national education centre for children with sight loss in Ireland.
NCBI (National Council for the Blind in Ireland) provides support and services for people living with sight loss in Ireland.
Irish Guide Dogs for the blind helps individuals and their families to achieve improved mobility and independence.