Retinal detachment is one of the conditions that our team of highly qualified eye care professionals diagnose and treat, as part of a wide range of eye conditions in patients of all ages on a daily basis. While some of the conditions we help manage may be less serious, others may indicate a more concerning underlying issue that warrants further investigation – which is the category into which retinal detachment falls into. Retinal detachment occurs when the retina peels away or detaches from the back of the eye, and is considered a medical emergency as it can lead to vision loss without urgent medical care.

Thankfully, approximately 83% of people with retinal detachment have 20/40 vision or better after treatment,^[1] – which is why it’s so important to be able to recognise the symptoms promptly and quickly book in with your eye care professionals for diagnosis and treatment. Retinal detachment is not typically painful, so doesn’t ring the typical “alarm bells” as with other injuries. Here’s a look into what retinal detachment is, what symptoms to watch for, and how a regular comprehensive eye exam can detect early eye changes before symptoms appear.

What Is Retinal Detachment?

Your retina is a thin layer of light-sensitive nerve cells that lines the back of the inside of your eye. When light enters your eye, it focuses on the retina, which absorbs the light and sends visual information to your brain along the optic nerve.

Retinal detachment occurs when the retina detaches or pulls away from its normal position at the back of the eye, disrupting the transfer of visual information to the brain. This can cause a person’s ability to see to be affected, and if left untreated, can result in permanent vision loss.

Initially, only a small part of the retina may tear or peel off, but without care and treatment, the entire retina can become detached. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including trauma to the eye, nearsightedness, previous cataract surgery, and other underlying health conditions.

Symptoms Of Retinal Detachment

A retinal detachment is generally not painful, and in the early stages, a retinal tear or detachment may not have any symptoms, or they may be so subtle that they’re unnoticeable until a person’s eyesight or eye health is assessed in an eye exam with an optometrist. Common symptoms may include:

A sudden increase in the numbers of floaters: floaters may appear as dots, circles, lines, squiggles or cobwebs in your vision, however they can take on almost any form, shape and size, and they may move quickly or remain quite still. Floaters form when clumps of cells or blood develop and ‘float’ in your vitreous, and cast a shadow on the retina.

A transparent grey curtain or dark shadow in your vision: as your retina detaches, a curtain or dark shadow may appear in your peripheral, or side vision, and gradually spread toward the centre of your field of vision.

Sudden, brief flashes of light: flashes happen when the vitreous pulls away from the retina and tugs on it, which results in small electrical signals being sent to the brain. The brain perceives these as short, small, flashes of light.

Causes Of Retinal Detachment

There are three types of retinal detachment, and each type is caused by different factors:

1. Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment

The predominant form of retinal detachment is referred to as rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. It occurs due to a tear, break or hole in the retina, enabling the vitreous fluid in the centre of the eye to pass through the opening and accumulate between the retina and the wall of the eye. This build-up eventually causes the retina to detach from its normal position at the back of the eyeball, resulting in vision loss if not treated promptly.

Diabetic retinopathy is a frequent cause of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. As a person ages, changes in the consistency of the vitreous in the eye may occur, leading to its contraction and resulting in the formation of a small tear in the retina. Other possible causes of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment include eye injuries, eye surgery, and severe myopia or nearsightedness.

2. Exudative retinal detachment

Exudative retinal detachment, also known as secondary retinal detachment, is a type of retinal detachment that can occur without any tears, breaks or holes in the retina. This happens when fluid accumulates behind the retina, causing it to detach from the back of the eye.

The most common causes of exudative retinal detachment include leaking blood vessels or swelling in the back of the eye. These conditions can be triggered by a variety of factors such as eye injury or trauma, inflammation inside the eye, age-related macular degeneration, or rarely, tumours in the eye or Coats disease, which is a rare condition that causes abnormal development of blood vessels in the retina.

3. Tractional retinal detachment

Tractional retinal detachment happens when the retina is displaced from the back of the eye due to the presence of scar tissue pulling on it. The primary cause of tractional retinal detachment is also diabetic retinopathy, an eye condition that affects people with diabetes by harming blood vessels in the retina, which can cause the growth of scar tissue. As the scar tissue grows, it can pull on the retina and cause it to detach. Other possible causes of tractional retinal detachment include eye infections, injuries, and certain eye diseases like retinal vasculitis, sickle cell retinopathy, uveitis, or proliferative vitreoretinopathy.

Retinal Detachment Risk Factors

If you have any of the following risk factors, it’s important to get a comprehensive eye exam with a trusted eye care professional at least once every year, to monitor your eye health and pick up on changes before they are noticeable, and get you started on targeted treatment.

You are at an increased risk of retinal detachment if you have one or more of the following risk factors:

• Diabetes
• Aged over 50 years of age
• A family history of retinal detachment
• Severe short-sightedness
• Previous eye surgery e.g., cataract removal
• Eye injury or trauma
• Previous peripheral retinal degeneration or tears.
• Recurrent eye infections
• Other eye diseases

Concerned About Your Eye Health?

If you experience any symptoms of retinal detachment, it is important to contact your eye clinic immediately for prompt diagnosis and treatment. Even if you are not aware of any tears or detachment in your retina, having an eye exam can detect these changes in their earliest stages, before they progress to cause you symptoms. It is recommended to see an optometrist annually to monitor your vision and overall eye health, or more frequently if you notice any changes in your vision. During these appointments, your optometrist can assess the health of your eyes and rule out any serious issues, providing you with peace of mind and a clear plan for prompt treatment if necessary.

To book your comprehensive eye exam with one of our experienced team members, contact one of your local Optical Warehouse clinics across Queensland here.

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^[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK551502/

Our eye care professionals provide effective treatment and management strategies for a wide range of vision problems in patients of all ages. Whether you’re experiencing farsightedness, known as hyperopia, that causes close-up objects such as books or computer screens to appear blurry and out-of-focus, conjunctivitis (pink eye) that can cause itchiness and swelling, or dry eyes that can make your eyes sore and sensitive to light, we can help – and with a lot more, too.

Our optometrists use a range of advanced technology to detect changes to your vision and eye health early, and accurately differentiate between various conditions that may initially appear to have similar symptoms. Whether you require a regular eye exam, have been meaning to have a vision disturbance checked for some time, or are experiencing pain or discomfort in or around your eye, you’re in the right place with us.

Here are just a few of the many eye diseases and vision problems that our optometrists see and treat on a daily basis.

Cataracts

Cataracts are characterised by opaque patches that develop within the lens of the eye. They are prevalent in individuals over the age of 80 and can also occur in people who have been exposed to excessive UV rays, have a history of smoking, or suffer from diabetes. Initially, cataracts may not cause noticeable symptoms, but over time, you may experience a gradual decrease in vision clarity, colour desaturation, or blurred vision that makes it difficult to perform daily activities such as watching television. The good news is that cataracts can be removed effectively with surgery, which can not only restore your vision but also involve the insertion of an artificial lens into your eye. Early detection of cataracts is possible through a comprehensive eye exam with an optometrist, allowing for timely intervention to help avoid your vision deteriorating.

Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a condition that affects the central vision, causing it to become blurry. This occurs when the macula, the central part of the retina that is responsible for our central vision, becomes damaged due to advancing age. AMD is a common cause of vision loss in people over 65 years old and is more prevalent in smokers. While it doesn’t cause complete blindness, it can make daily activities, such as reading, driving, and recognizing faces, difficult. As AMD may progress slowly without noticeable symptoms at first, it’s important to have regular eye exams to detect it early. This will allow your eye care professional to provide appropriate treatment, such as certain vitamins and minerals, injections, or laser treatments, to prevent further vision loss.

Dry Eyes

Dry eyes affect people of all ages, making your eyes feel scratchy, sore, stinging and sensitive to light, or as if you have a speck of sand trapped in your eye. Dry eyes happen when your eyes don’t make enough tears to stay wet, or when your tears don’t work correctly, and contributing factors to this can include time spent staring at your phone or computer which reduces our blinking rate, exposure to smoke or dry air, wearing contact lenses, allergies, and even the ageing process. Certain medications such as antihistamines, decongestants, and hormone replacement therapy can also cause or exacerbate dry eyes, alongside conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and Sjogren’s syndrome.

If you are experiencing symptoms of dry eyes, it is important to seek treatment from an eye care professional. They may recommend artificial tears, prescription eye drops, or lifestyle modifications such as taking regular breaks from screen time, increasing humidity in your environment, and wearing protective eyewear in windy or dusty conditions. By properly managing dry eyes, you can alleviate discomfort and prevent potential vision problems.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma refers to a group of eye diseases that can lead to vision loss and even blindness by damaging the optic nerve cells at the back of the eye that transmit visual information to the brain. Typically affecting people over 60 years of age, glaucoma is often asymptomatic at first, with up to 50% of sufferers unaware of the condition until detected during an eye exam by an optometrist.

If left untreated, glaucoma can lead to a loss of peripheral vision, and eventually complete blindness. While there is no cure, early treatment can often prevent further damage to the optic nerve and preserve vision using methods such as eye drops, medication, and surgery. The best way to diagnose glaucoma is through a comprehensive dilated eye exam performed by an experienced optometrist.

Colour Blindness

Colour blindness (colour impairment) occurs when your eyes perceive colours differently from others, often struggling to distinguish between red and green or blue and yellow shades. In some rare cases, those with complete colour blindness are unable to see any colour at all. Although this condition is hereditary and there is no complete cure, most are able to adapt and continue with their daily routine without significant impact. Optometrists can prescribe customised glasses or contact lenses to improve vision and colour detection if desired.

Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis, commonly referred to as pink eye, is an eye infection that can cause noticeable inflammation and redness in both the whites of the eye and the inner lining of the eyelid. It can also cause itching, pain, and a sticky discharge that may cause the eyelashes to stick together, especially upon waking in the morning.

Pink eye can be caused by various factors such as allergens like animals or pollen, bacteria, or viruses, and can be highly contagious. To prevent the spread of the infection to others, it’s crucial to practise good hygiene by washing your hands regularly and avoiding sharing personal items like towels, sunglasses, or makeup. Fortunately, most cases of pink eye resolve on their own, but some types may require specialised treatment from an optometrist. If the symptoms worsen, affect your vision, or cause pain, it is recommended to consult with an optometrist. It’s also important to seek immediate medical attention for babies suspected of having pink eye.

Flashes and Floaters

Flashes appear as bright specks in your vision that resemble light streaks, shooting stars, or camera flashes. Floaters refer to small dark shapes, such as spots, threads, squiggly lines, or cobwebs, that drift across your vision. As we age, it’s common to experience flashes and floaters intermittently, and they may not require medical attention. If you notice significant new floaters or flashes that appear suddenly and persist, see your optometrist as this could be indicative of a more severe eye condition.

Diabetic Retinopathy

If you have diabetes, you may be at risk of developing diabetic retinopathy, a condition that can lead to vision loss and blindness by damaging the blood vessels in the retina. Diabetic retinopathy may not exhibit any symptoms in the early stages, which is why early detection through regular eye exams is key. Early treatment can aid in preventing further damage and improving your vision. To help protect your vision, aim to keep your diabetes under control by staying physically active, consuming a healthy diet, and adhering to your diabetic medication regimen. Our optometrists can help you locate treatments for more advanced cases, which may include laser therapy or surgery.

Pterygium (Fleshy Growth)

A pterygium, which is pronounced “te-ridge-e-um”, is a growth of vascular and fleshy tissue that typically has a triangular shape and appears in the corner of the eye. It often develops from prolonged exposure to high levels of ultraviolet (UV) light, which makes it more prevalent in individuals who live in sunny areas or those who frequently spend time outdoors such as farmers, skiers, and fishermen. While it grows slowly over time, it can eventually cover a large part of the eye and cause symptoms such as burning, itching, and watery eyes, which are typical of dry eyes. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the pterygium and alleviate these symptoms.

Refractive Errors

A refractive error is a type of vision problem that occurs when the eye’s shape prevents light from focusing directly on the back of the eye, resulting in blurry vision and other problems. This can make it hard to see clearly, it includes issues such as near-sightedness, long-sightedness, and lazy eye.

For many people, the changes to their vision occur so gradually over time, that they often don’t notice it happening – and so don’t realise that they need optical care or that their eyesight isn’t as good as it could be. This is why regular comprehensive eye exams are so important to maintain your vision and pick up on issues as soon as they arise.

There are five common types of refractive errors:

• Nearsightedness (myopia) – makes far-away objects look blurry
• Farsightedness (hyperopia) – makes nearby objects look blurry
• Astigmatism – can make both far-away and nearby objects look blurry or distorted
• Mature vision (presbyopia) – affects those in their early to mid-40s and older, making it difficult to see things up close
• Amblyopia (lazy eye) – occurs in infancy or early childhood, and usually affects one eye. Symptoms can include a wandering eye or eyes that may not appear to work together

Retinal Detachment

A retinal detachment occurs when the light-sensitive layer of tissue at the back of your eye, known as the retina, is pulled away from its usual position. Symptoms may not be apparent, but sudden changes in vision, such as new floaters, flashes of light, or a dark shadow or curtain in your field of vision, may be present. Retinal detachment is a medical emergency, and immediate attention from an optometrist or the emergency room is crucial if you experience any symptoms.

UV Damage

The cells in our eyes can be easily damaged by UV radiation from the sun, screens, or indoor lighting, similar to our skin. This can cause harm to the retina and lens, leading to symptoms such as pain, swelling, or blurry vision. While mild cases may heal on their own, repeated exposure can increase the risk of eye and eyelid cancers, cataracts, and other conditions. It is recommended to have an eye exam and order UV-blocking or blue light sunglasses from your optometrist to prevent such damage. Custom-built options are available for both adults and children.

No matter your concern, we’re here to help. To book your comprehensive eye exam with one of our experienced team members, contact one of your local Optical Warehouse clinics across Queensland here.

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