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Published: 04/06/2024
In this article below, highly esteemed consultant optometrist, Mr Shakeel Puridetails what might happen if retinal detachment is left untreated, and what is involved in the recovery time following retinal detachment surgery.
What are the main symptoms of retinal detachment?
There are many symptoms associated with retinal detachment. The main ones are as follows:
- Sudden appearance of floaters (tiny specks that drift through your field of vision)
- Flashes of light in one or both eyes
- Blurred vision
- Gradual reduction in peripheral (side) vision
- A shadow or curtain over a part of your visual field
Can a retinal detachment cause permanent vision loss?
Untreated retinal detachment can lead to permanent vision loss and blindness in the affected eye. The longer the retina remains detached, the lower the chances of restoring normal vision even with treatment.
What are the main treatment options for a retinal detachment?
It is essential to treat retinal detachment as soon as possible to avoid the possibility of losing vision. The main treatment options for the condition include:
- Laser surgery (Photocoagulation): Laser is used to create tiny burns around the retinal tear, causing scarring that seals the retina to the underlying tissue.
- Cryopexy: A freezing probe is applied to the outer surface of the eye to freeze around the retinal tear, which causes a scar that helps reattach the retina.
- Pneumatic retinopexy: A gas bubble is injected into the eye. The bubble presses the retina back into place. Laser or cryopexy is then used to seal the tear.
- Scleral buckling: A silicone band (buckle) is sewn onto the sclera (white part of the eye), pushing the eye wall up to the detached retina.
- Vitrectomy: The vitreous gel is removed and replaced with a gas bubble, silicone oil, or saline to flatten the retina.
What is recovery from retinal detachment surgery like?
Recovery time can vary based on the type of surgery and the patient's individual condition. Generally, it can take several weeks to a few months for full recovery. Vision may gradually improve over this period, but complete recovery may take longer, and some vision loss might be permanent.
Can I prevent retinal detachment from happening?
While you can't always prevent retinal detachment, you can reduce your risk by:
- Regular eye exams, especially if you are at higher risk (e.g., family history of retinal detachment, high myopia, previous eye surgery).
- Protecting your eyes from injury by wearing protective eyewear during sports or hazardous activities.
- Managing conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure, which can increase the risk of retinal problems.
- Seeking immediate medical attention if you experience symptoms of retinal detachment.
If you’d like to make an appointment with Mr Shakeel Puri,visit his Top Doctors profile today.
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By Mr Shakeel Puri
Optometryin Staffordshire
Mr Shakeel Puri is a highly regardedseniorconsultant optometristin Cannock, Staffordshire, with over 25 years of experience in the field of eye care and ophthalmology. He is the clinical director, principal optometrist, and contact lens consultant at Chase Eyecare, his main practice.He provides eye care for all the family (family eye care specialist), and his main areas of expertise include emergency eye care, sudden vision loss,diabetic retinopathy, red eyes,gl...
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By Mr Shakeel Puri
Optometry
Mr Shakeel Puri is a highly regardedseniorconsultant optometristin Cannock, Staffordshire, with over 25 years of experience in the field of eye care and ophthalmology. He is the clinical director, principal optometrist, and contact lens consultant at Chase Eyecare, his main practice.
He provides eye care for all the family (family eye care specialist), and his main areas of expertise include emergency eye care, sudden vision loss,diabetic retinopathy, red eyes,glaucoma, dry eye, macular degeneration, retinal disorders, and myopia control.
Mr Puri has practised at various tiers within the industry, from esteemed institutions like Wolverhampton and Sunderland Eye hospitals to renowned optometry clinics such as Boots, Vision Express, Specsavers, and Dolland and Aitchison. Mr Puri's passion lies in addressing retinal diseases and extending specialised assistance to diabetic patients.
His expertise is underpinned by advanced training in these domains, and is also highly experienced when it comes to dealing with patients with dry and wet macular degeneration, as well as those in need of screening and management for glaucoma and retinal vascular disorders. Mr Shakeel Puri's commitment extends further to the realm of childhood visual challenges. He has taken a profound interest in aiding children with visual dyslexia, dyspraxia, ADHD, a spectrum of headaches, and reading impediments.
In situations requiring urgent attention, Mr Puri’s advanced training in emergency eye care comes to the fore. From injuries to infections, sudden visual loss to discomfort, his expertise covers a range of unexpected eye concerns. Whether it’s red eye or eyelid issues, dryness, irritation, or inflammation, Mr Puri is adept at handling these issues. He’s also well-equipped to manage cases of flashes, floaters, and painful eyes, as well as conditions like ingrowing eyelashes and sudden reductions in vision.
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