![]() ![]() In general, the sooner treatment is carried out, the better the likely results, but in some cases the timing of surgery does not influence outcome (you therefore need to discuss timing of surgery with your Consultant). If the holes or tears are associated with a RD, surgery is required. These procedures are usually performed in an outpatient setting (in clinic). ![]() Small holes and tears (without RD) are treated with laser surgery or cryopexy (a freeze treatment). This is called an exudative or serous retinal detachment. ![]() This scar tissue can then pull on the retina causing a tractional retinal detachment.Ī less common cause of retinal detachment happens because of another condition such as inflammation or tumour in the eye. Other eye conditions such as diabetic retinopathy can result in fibrous scar tissue forming inside the vitreous and on the surface of the retina. A strong family history of retinal detachment.High myopia (> -6 D) and lattice retinal degeneration.A recent posterior vitreous detachment (conversely, most patients who develop a posterior vitreous detachment do not develop a retinal detachment).Risk factors for retinal detachment include: I will refer to rhegmatogenous retinal detachments as RD in the rest of the text.Īlthough anyone can experience a retinal detachment (1:10,000 people per year), people with certain eye conditions are at increased risk of retinal detachment. This is the most common type of retinal detachment. For the purpose of this guide, I will limit my discussion to the rhegmatogenous type of detachment (ie caused by a tear or break in the retina). There are different types of retinal detachments. Anyone experiencing the symptoms of a retinal detachment should see an eye care professional immediately. A retinal detachment is a medical emergency. Symptoms include a sudden or gradual increase in the number of floaters and/or light flashes in the eye or the appearance of a curtain over the field of vision (that is loss of vision in the peripheral field of vision). ![]() A retinal tear, hole (or break) can lead to a retinal detachment. If not promptly treated, retinal detachment can cause permanent vision loss. When the retina detaches, it is lifted or pulled away from its normal position. Treatment for wet macular degeneration can involve combining these types of treatments.The retina is the light-sensitive layer of tissue that lines the inside of the eye and sends visual messages through the optic nerve to the brain. Anti-VEGF medications are not a cure and continued treatment is necessary to minimize the adverse effects of the abnormal blood vessels and maximize the patient's vision. These medications are injected into the eye and decrease leakage from and the progression of the abnormal blood vessels growing under the retina in macular degeneration. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) uses a low intensity laser to stimulate a light sensitive drug that is injected intravenously to cause shrinking of the abnormal blood vessels in the macula associated with macular degeneration.Īnti-VEGF medication is the newest and best treatment for wet macular degeneration. A laser beam is focused on the blood vessels to cauterize them. Thermal Laser was the first treatment used to treat wet macular degeneration and is still occasionally used. However, several treatment options are available. There is no cure for wet macular degeneration. Controlling high blood pressure and quitting smoking can be helpful. The progression and severity of dry macular degeneration can be reduced with certain vitamins, minerals and Omega III fatty acids. The onset of vision loss with the wet form of macular degeneration is usually more rapid and severe than in the dry form of macular degeneration. Wet macular degeneration is associated with abnormal blood vessel growth under the macula which can lead to leakage of fluid, bleeding and scar-tissue growth under and within the retina. Drusen are by-products of retinal metabolism that accumulate under the macula causing distortion and blind spots. The pigment cells are necessary for normal retinal function so when the cells are lost, the overlying retina stops functioning and blind spots and distortion may occur. Dry Macular Degenerationĭry macular degeneration is associated with degeneration of the pigment cells under the macula and development of drusen. Low vision aides can sometimes be helpful too. Most people with macular degeneration retain peripheral vision and learn to optimize the use of their remaining vision. Macular Degeneration is a disease characterized by a breakdown of the macula, the center, most sensitive part of the retina, the area we use to read and carry out our finest visual tasks. ![]()
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