Are you having sudden trouble with your vision? Are floaters clogging your line of vision? Have you experienced sudden flashes of light or does there seem to be a shadow in your field of vision? If you have answered yes, then there is a chance that you are suffering from retinal detachment. The need for medical attention at the onset of these symptoms is absolute.
Retinal detachment occurs when layers of tissue at the rear of the eye pull apart. The retina, which is the portion of the eye responsible for detecting the light signals to be sent to the brain, loses its connection with the back of the eye. As a result the blood vessels that are responsible for nourishing the retina cannot get oxygen to it. There is a real chance of permanent blindness if the condition is not treated immediately, as a lack of oxygen can leave the fragile tissue to wither away. Because the retinal tissue actually begins to die, there is nothing that doctors will be able to do to correct any vision loss that occurs as a result, including LASIK Austin eye doctors have many new technologies that can help them detect the warning signs of this sort of problem early and help them fix the problem to stop vision loss, but it depends on the individual’s willingness to seek help.
Within the center of the eye is a gel-like substance called the vitreous. When a small tear occurs, this liquid can leak and build up beneath the retina. This thinning and tearing, which results in the leaking, is not unusual as a person ages. Unfortunately, as the liquid leaks, the vitreous area shrinks and pulls further away from the retina resulting in a full detachment. Then, the blood supply is lost. From that point forward, time is the enemy. An appointment should be scheduled right away and all symptoms should be discussed openly with the doctor. Bring a friend or family member along, in case you need a ride home.
In some instances, it is not natural causes that result in this sort of tear. Trauma, an inflammatory disorder, or even uncontrolled diabetes can cause the same situation to arise. In other instances, a leak will not occur at all. Instead, age causes the vitreous to simply shrink and sag, much like skin does.
There are certain factors that can increase your risk of retinal detachment. As mentioned above, age is a big player. Once one reaches the age of forty, the chances of this condition arising increase quite substantially. Once a retinal detachment has occurred once, the chances of it occurring again, in the opposite eye, are much more likely. Similarly, individuals who have a family history of the condition should be seen more regularly by the eye doctor to screen for problems within the eye.
For those who have suffered serious eye injuries or who have undergone certain surgical procedures, such as cataract surgery, retinal detachment becomes a major concern. Regular eye exams can help to ensure any problems are caught early. This routine should also be followed by people who suffer from extreme myopia, also known as myopia.
Hill Country Eye Center
12171 W Parmer Lane, Ste 201
Cedar Park, TX 78613
(512) 528-1144
