Retinal detachment

Retinal detachment is an acute impaired vision, which results from the ablation of the photoreceptor layer from the subjacent retinal pigment epithelium. This detachment may, if persistent, lead to a permanent degeneration of the retinal receptors, which in turn, in worst case, may result in complete blindness.

Potential risk factors for an amotio or detachment are the middle to upper graded short-sightedness, a previous, complicated cataract surgery, diabetical retinal alterations (diabetic retinopathy) as well as inflammations, injuries or tumors of the eye. If the according risk factors are existent, it is recommended to undergo ophthalmologic control examinations at regular intervals, so that early stages such as holes in the retina can be identified and treated in time.

Symptoms of retinal detachment

Early symptoms and therefore warning signs for a retinal detachment is the perception of flashes of light or a cluster of black dots. These are caused by traction of the vitreous humor on the retinal surface, which may result in a retinal hole. In any case, an ophthalmologist should be consulted.
If the retina is already detached, patients report to either see a “dark wall” that seems to be raised from the bottom of their visual field or a “dark curtain” that drops from the top, thus slowly impairing its central vision area. This is an ophthalmological emergency and we recommend that a physician should be sought immediately.