Disease 15. Retinal Detachment: The Vision-threatening Emergency
Retinal detachment is a medical emergency in which the retina, the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye, separates from the underlying tissue. This can cause sudden vision loss and, if left untreated, permanent blindness. Symptoms of retinal detachment may include a sudden onset of floaters, flashes, or a dark shadow across the field of vision.
Risk factors for retinal detachment include advanced age, a history of retinal detachment in the other eye, a family history of the condition, severe nearsightedness, previous eye surgery, or a history of eye injury.
Treatment for retinal detachment usually requires surgery to reattach the retina and may include procedures like pneumatic retinopexy, scleral buckle, or vitrectomy. The sooner the retina is reattached, the better the chances of preserving vision.
Regular eye exams can help identify any risk factors for retinal detachment, and prompt intervention if symptoms occur is critical for minimizing vision loss. (13)
