Retinal Detachment

Prompt and Advanced Treatment for Retinal Detachment

Retinal detachment is an emergency. At Ophthalmology Physicians & Surgeons, PC in Philadelphia, PA, our doctors can reattach the retina in a quick, painless procedure using advanced laser technology. Retinal detachment is often accompanied by an onset of flashes and floaters, or a curtain-like obstruction of your field of vision. If you or someone you love is experiencing symptoms of retinal detachment, please call us right away at (215) 672-4300.

Retinal detachment can result in permanent vision loss without prompt attention.

What Causes Retinal Detachment?

The retina is the light-sensitive tissue lining the back of the eye. It is responsible for transmitting signals to the brain through the optic nerve, allowing you to perceive images. While retinal detachment can be caused by trauma or injury, it often develops due to more subtle causes. Retinal detachment is more likely to occur in patients who:

Have a family history of retinal detachment
Suffer from other eye disorders or diseases, such as uveitis, degenerative myopia, lattice degeneration, or retinoschisis
Are exceptionally nearsighted
Have had cataract surgery
Have experienced retinal detachment in the other eye

There are three types of retinal detachment:

Rhegmatogenous: The most common type, a rhegmatogenous detachment occurs when fluid leaks under the retina due to a tear or break. This separates the retina from the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), which is the cell layer that delivers nutrients to the retina.
Tractional: This type of detachment occurs when scar tissue on the surface of the retina tightens or contracts, leading to separation from the RPE.
Exudative: Commonly triggered by retinal diseases, inflammatory disorders, or trauma, exudative detachment occurs when fluid leaks into the area underneath the retina, but there are no tears or breaks present.

If you are experiencing symptoms of retinal detachment, we are here to help.

Why is Retinal Detachment an Emergency Situation?

A torn retina significantly increases the chances of complete retinal detachment. If left untreated, retinal detachment can cause permanent loss of vision. It is vitally important to contact an ophthalmologist as soon as possible.

Repairing Retinal Detachment

Our doctors can treat small breaks or tears with a quick procedure. Using a laser, they can fuse the retina back into its proper location.

There are various techniques that can be utilized to correct a detached retina. In some cases, a synthetic band is attached to the outside of the eyeball. This will carefully push the wall of the eye against the detached retina. A vitrectomy can also be performed. This is completed by making tiny incisions in the white of the eye and removing the gel-like substance (vitreous) that helps the eye maintain its round shape. To replace the vitreous, gas is injected into the center of the eye to push the retina back into its proper position. During the recovery process, your body will gradually replace the gas with fluid.

Over 90 percent of retinal detachments can be treated successfully. Treatment is significantly more successful if surgery is performed before the center region of the retina (macula) detaches.