A retinal detachment is a sight-threatening condition that requires treatment by a specialist. The board-certified ophthalmologists and retinal specialists at Retina Associates of New York are experts in treating retinal detachment. This group of talented physicians serve the NYC community from three locations: Upper East Side, Manhattan; Forest Hills, Queens; and New Rochelle. Each facility offers the same personalized care and advanced treatment technology. If you have signs of retinal detachment, call the nearest office as soon as possible for further direction.
The retina is a thin layer of light-sensitive nerve tissue that lines the back of your eye. When light passes through the natural lens of your eye, it is focused onto the retina. Specialized cells in the retina convert that light into electrical impulses that are transmitted to the brain along your optic nerve. Your brain interprets these signals and then forms a visual image that you can identify.
A retinal detachment occurs when the retina pulls away from its normal position at the back of your eye. This separates the retina from the blood vessels that provide its oxygen and nourishment. If left untreated, retinal cells can die, and vision loss in the affected eye may become permanent.
A retinal detachment typically starts with a tear or break in the retina. A tear may be caused by excessive traction or pressure on the retina due to:
If the fluid within your eye seeps under retina through a tear or a break, your retina separates from its normal position and becomes a retinal detachment.
Retinal detachment is painless, but may have warning signs before it occurs, including:
Contact Retina Associates of New York immediately if you notice any of these symptoms
Depending on the location and severity of the retinal detachment, your physician may choose one of several techniques to repair the retinal. This may include laser; pneumatic retinopexy, in which a gas bubble is injected into the eye to push the retina back into place; or surgical repair. Surgical interventions may include vitrectomy surgery to remove the vitreous from the eye and prevent further traction on the retina, injection of a gas or silicone bubble to push the retina in place, or a scleral buckle, where a silicone band is placed around the eye to push the wall of the eye against the retina. Your surgeon will discuss these treatment options with you.
Call Retina Associates of New York immediately if you’re experiencing symptoms of a retinal tear or detachment.
