Does retinal detachment cause eye pain?

Written by Zheng Xin

Ophthalmology

Updated on September 28, 2024

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Retinal detachment refers to the separation between the neural epithelial layer and the pigment epithelial layer of the retina at the back of the eye. Its main symptoms include flashes of light, blurry vision, and visual obstruction. It is characterized by a painless, sudden decrease in vision. Therefore, patients experiencing retinal detachment will notice flashes of light and a rapid decrease in vision prior to the condition developing, without feeling pain, thus there is no pain associated with retinal detachment.

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Written by Li Zhen Dong

Ophthalmology

49sec

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Is vitreous floaters close to retinal detachment?

Floater syndrome and retinal detachment generally have no necessary connection. Floater syndrome is the clouding of the vitreous body. Mild vitreous clouding does not affect vision and manifests as floating objects in front of the eyes. Pathological vitreous clouding that affects vision requires further examination by an ophthalmologist, including an ocular B-ultrasound to diagnose the extent of the vitreous clouding, and proactive treatment should be administered. Retinal detachment generally involves the separation of the retina from the choroid. Once a clear diagnosis of detachment is made, active treatment should be pursued promptly to restore vision as soon as possible. If the treatment is delayed, it can easily lead to retinal atrophy, resulting in the shrinkage of the eyeball.

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Written by Li Zhuo

Ophthalmology

59sec

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Treatment methods for retinal detachment

Retinal detachment surgery primarily refers to the treatment of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. There are two methods of treatment: one is external surgery, also known as scleral buckling. This involves using a compressive object to indent the sclera to support the choroid, and then employing cryotherapy to create a sterile adhesion between the choroid and the retina, thus treating the retinal detachment. Another method is internal surgery, also known as vitreoretinal surgery. This procedure involves making three incisions in the flat part of the sclera, removing the vitreous from the inside, flattening the retina with heavy water, and using a laser to create a sterile adhesion between the retina and the choroid. Currently, the surgical treatment for retinal detachment consists of these two approaches: internal and external surgeries.

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Written by Li Min

Ophthalmology

42sec

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How to perform surgery for retinal detachment?

Firstly, there are three types of retinal detachment: rhegmatogenous, tractional, and exudative retinal detachment. For rhegmatogenous and tractional retinal detachment, surgical treatment is generally adopted. There are two common surgical methods: one is external surgery, known as scleral buckling, and the other is internal surgery, involving vitrectomy with complex retinal detachment repositioning. The choice of surgical method requires assessment by an ophthalmology specialist before a decision can be made. Exudative retinal detachment is generally treated by addressing the underlying disease and does not require surgery.

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Written by Zheng Xin

Ophthalmology

1min 1sec

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Can retinal detachment heal by itself?

Retinal detachment refers to the separation between the neural epithelial layer and the pigment epithelial layer of the retina. Based on its cause, it can be categorized into rhegmatogenous retinal detachment, tractional retinal detachment, and exudative retinal detachment. Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment requires repositioning of the retina and closure of the break. If it is tractional retinal detachment, it is necessary to remove the cause, generally requiring vitrectomy and retinal reposition surgery. Exudative retinal detachment generally occurs due to inflammation or other irritations causing exudation or bleeding in the retina, resulting in detachment, typically without retinal breaks. This type of retinal detachment only requires treatment for the underlying disease, and aggressive treatment of the primary disease can generally lead to a cure. Therefore, retinal detachment must be treated; it cannot heal on its own.

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Written by Li Zhen Dong

Ophthalmology

36sec

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Can you swim after retinal detachment surgery with a lens implant?

Retinal detachment and having an implanted lens means you cannot swim, and if you wish to swim, it must be at least six months later. There are generally two types of surgeries for retinal detachment: vitrectomy with retinal repositioning, and scleral buckling. If a lens has been implanted, it means the natural lens was removed and replaced with an artificial lens. Therefore, after surgery, it is important to rest properly, maintain correct posture, attend timely follow-up appointments, monitor visual recovery and eye pressure, and use eye drops as prescribed.