What is Retinal Detachment (RD)?
It is a condition in which the retina gets pulled away from its normal position and there is seeping of fluid under the retina causing it to remain detached. This is an EMERGENCY and needs immediate checkup and treatment accordingly.
The SYMPTOMS include the sudden appearance of floaters or flashes of light or sudden drop in vision or curtain-like shadow in front of your eyes.
RD can be of three types:
- Rhegmatogenous RD: This type of detachment happens when the vitreous gel in front of the retina starts to liquefy and tries to separate from the retina. However, in some cases, during this separation, it pulls on the retina and creates a break in the retina. The liquified vitreous then start entering the break and goes underneath the retina creating a separation of the retina from its normal position.
- Tractional RD: The detachment which is triggered by the pull ( traction) from the surface of or over the retina causing it to separate from its normal position is called Tractional RD. This is most commonly seen in people with Vitreous Hemorrhage secondary to Vascular Diseases of the eye like Diabetic Retinopathy.
- Exudative RD: The detachment where the fluid seeps from under the retina and collects in the subretinal space and separates the retina from its normal position is called Exudative RD. Here, there is no break or traction found. This is generally seen in conditions like Preeclampsia of pregnancy, tumors, uveitic disorders.
The Risk factors include aging eyes ( generally > 50 years), high myopia, family history, trauma over the head or eyes, previous cataracts, or other eye surgeries, in association with other eye diseases like Uveitis, Peripheral Retinal Degeneration.
