The retina is the most important part of the eye that makes us see. It is in this tissue composed of ten layers, 0.25-0.4 mm thick, that there are receptors that receive light stimuli and photoreceptors that convert light energy into electrical energy, so that impulses can be sent nervously to the brain, where an image is created. , which is what we see.

Retinal detachmentis an eye disease in whichthe retinais torn or detached from the choroid underneath. It leads to visual impairment and even blindness. People with high myopia (more than minus four diopters) and people suffering from diabetes and atopic dermatitis, as well as those who were premature babies, are particularly vulnerable to this disease. The risk of a retinal detachment increases for everyone, but especially for women in their 50s. Over the years, the structure of the retina and the vitreous body, the jelly-like substance filling the inside of the eye, changes. After fifty, the vitreous detaches from the retina. If the fibers connecting them are not flexible enough, they can start to pull and tear the retina away from the choroid.

Retinal detachment: symptoms are not always clear

However, the flashes appearing in front of the eyes, both during the day and at night, and black ties, dots or black rain moving all the time in the field of view, should be disturbing, as well as visual disturbances, e.g. the appearance of a veil impairing vision - from the sides of the nose or temples, or the feeling as if we are looking through a curtain. You should then contact an ophthalmologist as soon as possible. Retinal detachment in ophthalmology is just like a heart attack in cardiology. The sooner we start treatment, the greater the chances of remedying the situation. Retinal detachment most often occurs after strenuous exercise, bending down, lifting heavy objects, or trauma.

Treatment for a retinal detachment varies according to the degree of damage

If there is only a tear, no detachment, an outpatient treatment with a laser or cryotherapy is sufficient. The laser beam or stream of liquid nitrogen creates small scars around the tear that holds the retina and prevents detachment.them by two operational methods. With minor damage, fillings are placed - implants made of a sponge or silicone tape - to eliminate holes formed in the retina. The seals are sutured to the sclera. They remain in the eye forever, but the patient cannot see or feel them. The procedure is called intussusception. The most modern method is vitrectomy. It consists in removing the vitreous from the eye. In its place, silicone oil, gas or liquid are introduced. Tears, on the other hand, are secured with a laser. The most beneficial for the patient is the variant with the introduction of a gas bubble, which is absorbed after a few or several days and is replaced by the fluid produced by the eye. The oil needs to be changed after some time - from several months to several years -. Both operations are performed under spinal or general anesthesia and require a stay in the clinic for several days.

Retinal detachment: after surgery

After surgery, if a gas bubble has been placed in the eye, you must strictly follow the postoperative procedure recommended by your doctor. You should keep your head in the position specified by the doctor for several days. The idea is for the follicle to press against the right part of the retina. During this time, a black spot will be noticeable in the field of view. Avoid eye-shaking movements, and avoid reading and looking out the window while driving or traveling on a train. Air travel is also forbidden until the gas has been absorbed. Until the retina has healed, it is forbidden to exercise, bend down, lift heavy objects and play sports. You can watch TV if the head position recommended by your doctor allows it. Use prescribed eye drops, painkillers or anti-inflammatory drugs.

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Eye diseases and vision disorders