RETINAL DETATCHMENT
EYE HEALTHCARE – RETINAL DETATCHMENT
It occurs in approximately 1 in 10,000 people, where trauma to the head, short-sightedness and age are the biggest contributory factors.
People generally report a definite ‘Dark Curtain’ coming over one side of their peripheral vision which is quite obvious. This is often associated with photopsia (flashing lights) and excessive floaters (black spots) in their vision and is pain free. Similar symptoms can occur in migraine but generally fade after 1-2 hours. We as opticians also search for bronze ‘tobacco dust’ (schaffers sign) in the anterior vitreous.
Treating quickly with Cryotherapy (freezing treatment) and laser creates scar tissue which seals the hole (retinal tear) that causes detachment. For full blown detachment, surgery is the only option. The final vision result is determined by how much of the retina was detached and for how long, with ensuing settle down taking approximately 3-4 weeks.
Noel McCrystal
BSc.(Hons.)MCOptom.Dip.Sc.V MASv.P