Retinal detachment is a sight-threatening eye condition that occurs when the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye, moves out of its normal position.
This eye condition is considered an eye emergency. Typical symptoms include sudden blurred vision or decreased peripheral vision, as well as the sudden appearance of floaters, flashes of light or a shadow or gray curtain in your vision.
If you experience any of the above symptoms, contact Greenwich Ophthalmology Associates in Stamford right away. We’ll offer treatment to help preserve your vision.
What Causes Retinal Detachment?
The risk of retinal detachment increases with age, as the vitreous, the gel-like substance that fills the eye, shrinks or alters in consistency. As the retina detaches from the layer of blood vessels that nourish it, vision can be affected. Unless the retina is reattached quickly, permanent vision loss, and even total blindness, can occur.
Retinal detachment can also occur in patients with uncontrolled diabetes or other systemic conditions that cause scar tissue to develop in the retina, which then pulls the retina away from the back of the eye.
The separation of the retina from its usual position can also occur from eye trauma, such as a car accident, head injury or ocular inflammation, an eye tumor, very high myopia, macular degeneration or vascular abnormalities.
How Greenwich Ophthalmology Associates Can Help
There are three surgical procedures that can effectively treat retinal detachment: A vitrectomy, a scleral buckle and a pneumatic retinopexy. The purpose of each is to gently reattach the retina back to its original position on the back wall of the eye.
If you suspect that you are suffering from retinal detachment, please contact Greenwich Ophthalmology Associates in Stamford immediately for prompt treatment.