Retinal
Written by:The Dra. Devesa is an expert in the treatment of pathologies such as retinal detachment, a disease that she exposes in this article. The doctor is a specialist in the ophthalmological clinic Oftalvist, a renowned center for eye care nationwide.
The retinal detachment occurs, in most cases, by a separation of the vitreous gel that is attached to it. This causes one or several ruptures through which fluid accumulates between the neurosensory layer of the retina (inner layer) and the pigmentary epithelium (outer layer).. There are other less frequent causes such as the detachment of inflammatory or exudative origin, for tumors, traumatisms, previous surgeries or diabetic retinopathy.
Symptoms and diagnosis of retinal detachment
The patient may notice " flying flies ", flashes of light, a dark curtain or distortion of images. Myodesopsias or "flying flies" are perceived as moving black dots or filaments. Photopsias or flashes of light are a more important symptom because it means that the vitreous pulls the retina. When the retina begins to detach itself, a dark curtain or a shadow that covers part of the visual field can be seen, if it affects the central area, a distortion of the images takes place.
To diagnose the detachment of the retina, and before any of the alterations described above, it is necessary to go without delay to an ophthalmologist, who after a basic examination and the realization of an eye fund, will arrive at the correct diagnosis.
Treatment of retinal detachment
In a first phase we can find one or several holes in the retina that can be treated with laser to seal that area. When the detachment has already occurred, the solution goes through a surgical intervention. Well with intra or extraocular surgery, depending on the surgeon's criteria, the re-application of the retina will proceed so that it continues to function correctly.
The prognosis is very determined for the duration of the process, the time of delay in the surgery and the cause of the detachment. With the techniques available, in primary retinal detachments (eyes not intervened) by vitreous traction, without involvement of central vision with scheduled surgery but without delay, the prognosis is very good for the recovery of visual function.