Retina Detachment

If you have unusual symptoms with your eyes, such as a sudden condition of floaters, blurred vision, or seeing flashes of light, reach out to Next Level Retina in Oak Brook, Illinois, as soon as possible. You can rely on retina specialist Neel Lamba, MD, MBA, to determine if you have a retinal detachment or a less concerning issue. To check on your eye health, call the friendly office staff today or book online now.

What is retinal detachment?

Retinal detachment is a serious eye condition where your retina, which is the thin layer of tissue lining the back of your eye, pulls away from its normal position. 

Your retina is responsible for converting light into neural signals sent to your brain, enabling you to see. When it becomes detached, it can lead to vision loss and, if left untreated, permanent blindness in your affected eye.

What are the symptoms of retinal detachment?

Symptoms of retinal detachment often include a sudden onset of floaters, which are dark spots or lines that seem to float in your field of vision. The condition can also cause you to see flashes of light, blurred vision, or a shadow or curtain-like effect descending over your field of vision.

These symptoms typically appear without pain but should be taken seriously as they may indicate retinal detachment or other serious eye conditions.

What causes retinal detachment?

Several factors can contribute to retinal detachment, including:

• Trauma to your eye, such as a blow or injury
• Severe nearsightedness
• Previous eye surgery
• Family history of retinal detachment
• Certain eye diseases like diabetic retinopathy

Another common cause is aging, as the vitreous gel inside your eye can shrink and pull away from your retina, leading to tears or breaks in your retina. 

How is retinal detachment treated?

Treatment for retinal detachment depends on its severity and extent of detachment. In many cases, Dr. Lamba performs surgery to repair the retina and restore vision. 

The most common surgical procedure for retinal detachment is called vitrectomy, where Dr. Lamba removes your vitreous gel and replaces it with a saline solution, repairing any tears or breaks in your retina. 

Another technique involves using a laser or freezing probe to create scar tissue around your retinal tear, sealing it in place. This procedure is known as retinopexy.

If detected early, before your retina has detached completely, in some cases of retinal detachment, Dr. Lamba can perform less invasive procedures like pneumatic retinopexy, where he injects a gas bubble into your eye to push your retina back into place, followed by laser or cryotherapy to seal the tear.

Dr. Lamba encourages regular eye exams for detecting retinal detachment and other eye conditions early, especially if you’re at a higher risk.

Call Next Level Retina now to book an appointment, or use the online scheduler at any time, day or night.