What is it?
Retinal detachment corresponds to the detachment of part of the retinal surface from its support (the pigment epithelium). A liquid is interposed between these two layers, forming a small liquid pocket beneath the retina.
Retinal detachment is a serious condition in functional terms. If left untreated, it can lead to loss of visual function and blindness. It is a surgical emergency.
The role of the retina
This is a membrane that lines the bottom of the eyeball. It contains cells that receive and analyze light signals. The information is then transmitted by the optic nerve to the brain, which reconstructs the image.
Symptoms of retinal detachment
Retinal detachment is painless. Here are a few warning signs:
- Often, the patient first perceives dark or irregular images due to floating bodies in the vitreous;
- This is followed by impressions of flying flies and visions of coloured flashes of light (phosphenes). At this stage, there is no detachment yet;
- Then the patient complains of an impression of a more or less opaque red veil or curtain in the visual field;
- At a more advanced stage, central vision acuity collapses. This is an ophthalmological emergency.
Treatment of retinal detachment
When a tear is present, treatment is solely surgical. The operation consists in creating adherent scars between the retina and choroid using laser photocoagulation or cryosurgery. Pre- and post-operative immobilization is required.
The operation can be performed using either locoregional anesthesia (in 90% of cases) or general anesthesia. Complications of the operation are rare and difficult to predict. They may include increased intraocular pressure, intraocular haemorrhage, perforation of the outer wall of the eye, damage to the lens, circulatory arrest of the optic nerve, retinal tear, etc.
Recovery of vision depends on the condition of the retina prior to surgery, and cannot be assessed for several months.