Important Announcement: We've partnered with ReFocus Eye Health to best focus on providing the best patient care possible. Of course, our doctors and staff will remain the same but our name, logo, and website will be updated as we integrate with the ReFocus family of eye clinics. This will not affect your appointments or your patient experience in the least. 

Skip to main content

Retinal Detachment

Ophthalmology Physicians & Surgeons, PC -  - Ophthalmology

Ophthalmology Physicians & Surgeons, PC

Ophthalmology & Eye Surgery located in Trappe, North Wales, Hatboro, Bethlehem, & Levittown, PA

If you’re experiencing obstructions in your vision or a sudden increase in flashes or floaters, then you may have a retinal detachment, which is a serious eye condition that requires immediate medical attention. The experienced team of eye doctors at Ophthalmology Physicians & Surgeons, PC offer emergency care for retinal detachment to prevent further complications. For immediate help if you live in the greater Philadelphia area, including Trappe, North Wales, Hatboro, Bethlehem, and Levittown, Pennsylvania, or the counties of Montgomery, Bucks, or Northampton, call or use online booking to check for the next available opening.

Retinal Detachment Q & A

What is retinal detachment?

Retinal detachment refers to an eye condition in which your retina, the light-sensitive tissue lining the back of your eye, becomes detached from its normal position. Common symptoms of a retinal detachment include:

  • Sudden onset of flashes or floaters
  • Curtain-like obstruction of your field of vision
  • Blurred vision
  • Reduced peripheral vision

A retinal detachment is a medical emergency because if left untreated it may lead to permanent vision loss. If you’re experiencing symptoms that may indicate a retinal detachment, call Ophthalmology Physicians & Surgeons, PC right away.

What causes retinal detachment?

There are many reasons you may experience a retinal detachment. While trauma and injury are common causes, the eye condition can develop from less obvious causes, such as:

  • A family history of retinal detachment
  • Other eye conditions such as uveitis or degenerative myopia (nearsightedness)
  • Exceptionally nearsighted
  • History of cataract surgery
  • Retinal detachment in the other eye

There are three primary types of retinal detachment — rhegmatogenous, tractional, and exudative:

Rhegmatogenous

Rhegmatogenous is the most common type of retinal detachment and develops when fluid leaks under your retina due to a tear or break. This fluid causes your retina to separate from the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), which is the cell layer that delivers nutrients to your retina.

Tractional

Tractional retinal detachment occurs when scar tissue on the surface of your retina contracts or tightens, leading to the separation.

Exudative

Exudative retinal detachment occurs when fluid leaks under your retina without any tear. Retinal diseases, inflammatory disorders, or trauma may lead to this type of retinal detachment.

No matter the type or cause, the team at Ophthalmology Physicians & Surgeons, PC can repair your retinal detachment quickly and painlessly using advanced laser technology.

How is retinal detachment repaired?

Your eye care specialist at Ophthalmology Physicians & Surgeons, PC can repair your detachment using a number of advanced techniques that fuse the retina back into its proper position The technique that’s best suited for you depends on the underlying cause and type of your retinal detachment.

Over 90% of retinal detachments are successfully treated, and you have a greater chance of success if surgery is performed before the center region of your retina, referred to as the macula, detaches.

For immediate treatment of your retinal detachment, call Ophthalmology Physicians & Surgeons, PC or use online booking to check for the next available opening.