What types of conditions can the retina suffer from?
- Tears or holes. These should be treated immediately with laser or cold application, achieving a weld or blocking of the tear and thus preventing the progression of the process that complicates the prognosis.
- If the tear or occlusion is not achieved, retinal detachment will occur, and if this happens, surgical treatment must be initiated without too much delay. The urgency will depend on whether or not the detachment affects the central retina.
What symptoms occur when a retinal detachment happens?
The most frequent symptom involving holes (rhegmatogenous type) is the sight of flashes of light, sometimes repetitive and perceived in the same area of the visual field. This may indicate the beginning of a retinal tear. However, flashes of light do not always appear as a symptom. The sight of shadows with a "curtain" effect that partially or even completely obstructs vision in one eye is also a symptom of a possible retinal detachment.
If any of these symptoms are present, it is recommended to go urgently to an ophthalmologist to have the retina examined under pupillary dilation and by ultrasound, if necessary, which will facilitate the diagnosis.
Early surgery is crucial in any case of retinal detachment. If surgery is delayed, the chances of restoring vision to pre-detachment levels are lower. Ideally, it should be performed as an emergency procedure.
What is the most appropriate treatment?
The treatment for retinal detachment is always surgical and requires reattachment and repositioning of the retina. This can be done externally (with indentation) or internally (with vitrectomy). Sometimes a combination of both techniques is used. This involves adhering the retina by creating a thermal lesion with a laser or by generating a scar through freezing (cryotherapy).
In some cases, preventive laser treatment is recommended for retinal tears not complicated by detachment. The speed and degree of visual recovery will depend on each individual case.
In general, the prognosis for a retinal detachment depends primarily on its extent, whether or not it affects the point of sharpest vision (the macula), and also on the time elapsed since the onset of the detachment. Prompt intervention upon the appearance of evident symptoms is crucial to preventing irreparable damage.
