Detached and Torn Retina in Vineland
Any time damage occurs to your retina (the back of your eye), your vision is affected. If your retina becomes torn or detached from its nourishing cell layer, this is a medical emergency that must be treated immediately in order to save your vision.
Trauma to the eye can cause a retinal tear or detachment due to fluid collecting under the retina. However, there is not always a traumatic event that causes this condition. Conditions can be occurring without your knowledge that can lead to a tear or detachment:
- The shrinking and contracting of the vitreous gel in the eye can lead to retinal pulling
- The contraction of scar tissue on the retina
- An undiagnosed tear that allows fluid to collect under the retina
Detached and Torn Retina Treatment in Vineland
Dr. David R. Pernelli, MD highly recommends that everyone have regular dilated eye exams to monitor your retinal health. Through these exams, signs of a retinal tear or full detachment can be identified as quickly as possible so treatment can be administered. Depending on the extent of your condition, you may need:
- Vitrectomy: if the retina is being pulled, some of the vitreous gel in the eye can be drained and replaced with a gas bubble
- Pneumatic retinopexy: if there is a retinal tear, a gas bubble can be injected into the vitreous gel to reseal the tear
- Scleral buckle: if the vitreous gel is contracting or shrinking, a flexible silicone band can be placed around the eye to relieve pressure
- Retina laser surgery: if there is a retinal detachment, tiny burns can be used to reconnect it
- Cryopexy: if there is retinal tear, intense cold can be applied to produce a scar to reattach the retina
If you experience any sudden symptoms of retinal detachment such as specks, flashes, waviness, dark shadows or vision loss, contact us immediately to have an eye exam. Dr. Pernelli will do everything possible to protect your vision.