Symptoms of secondary retinal detachment

Written by Xiao Yang Yan
Ophthalmology
Updated on September 05, 2024
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The symptoms of a secondary retinal detachment are actually not much different from the first detachment; it's like a fixed shadow. Therefore, if you have ever experienced retinal detachment, you can cover one eye and use the other eye to check the visible range. Remember what range you can see now and then pay attention to any changes in the future. This way, you can clearly understand the changes in your field of vision. In the early stages, there may be an increased sensation of flashing lights or some floating dark shadows, so if these symptoms appear, it is important to go to the hospital for an examination.

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Written by Li Zhuo
Ophthalmology
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Retinal detachment refers to the condition where the retina pulls away from its normal position.

The structure of the human eye consists of three layers: the sclera, the choroid, and the retina. Retinal detachment is not actually a separation between the retina and the choroid, but rather a separation between the neural epithelial layer and the pigment epithelial layer of the retina, which means it is a detachment between the inner nine layers and the outermost layer of the retina. Retinal detachment can be classified into three types: rhegmatogenous retinal detachment, which is mainly caused by a tear in the retina allowing the vitreous fluid to enter the subretinal space; tractional retinal detachment, which occurs due to vitreous and retinal proliferation exerting traction on the retina, commonly seen in diabetic retinal detachment; and exudative retinal detachment, which is caused by accumulation of fluid between layers due to abnormal choroiditis.

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Written by Li Zhuo
Ophthalmology
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Can you take a plane with a detached retina?

Retinal detachment and flying are divided into pre-surgery and post-surgery considerations. Before retinal detachment surgery, it is generally permissible to fly, as this typically does not significantly impact the symptoms of retinal detachment. However, what occurs after the surgery must be considered. If, after surgery, only silicone oil is used as a filler, flying is permissible as it does not affect pressure changes. However, if an inert gas is used as a filler after retinal detachment surgery, it can expand due to changes in air pressure at high altitudes. This expansion increases its volume, which can alter the internal pressure of the eye, potentially compressing the eyeball and the retina, leading to ischemia of the central retinal artery. In such cases, where inert or expansible gases are filled within the eye, flying is not advisable until the gas has dissipated.

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Written by Li Zhuo
Ophthalmology
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How many days does retinal detachment surgery take?

Retinal detachment surgery is divided into internal and external approaches. Generally, the surgery takes about one to two hours, or two to three hours. One method involves compressing from the outside of the eardrum, pushing the eardrum inward to reattach the retina, while the other involves operating from inside the vitreous body outward to adhere the retina to the choroid. The recovery time for these surgeries generally reaches a stable condition from one to three months. The duration of the surgery depends on the complexity of the condition; it can be as quick as just over half an hour in simple cases, or up to two to three hours in complex cases. Postoperative vision recovery primarily depends on the duration and morphology of the retinal detachment, as well as the proliferation conditions of the detached retina and the vitreous body.

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Ophthalmology
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What does a detached retina feel like?

The professional term for retinal detachment is "retinal detachment." It primarily refers to the separation between the neuroepithelial layer and the pigment epithelial layer of the retina. Early manifestations of retinal detachment may include mild vision loss, accompanied by floaters, flashes of light, or a shadow that obscures vision. As the condition progresses, symptoms gradually worsen, and when the macular area of the retina is involved, significant vision loss occurs.

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Written by Peng Xi Feng
Ophthalmology
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Causes of Retinal Detachment

Retinal detachment can be categorized into three main types: rhegmatogenous, tractional, and exudative. Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment is commonly seen in the elderly, highly myopic individuals, those having undergone trauma to the eye leading to the absence of the natural lens or having artificial lens implants, and those with a history of retinal detachment or a family history of the condition, which are risk factors. Tractional retinal detachment is caused by proliferative membranes pulling on the retina. It is observed in conditions like diabetic retinopathy, central retinal vein occlusion, and other ischemic retinal diseases leading to neovascular membranes, or due to proliferative scarring from penetrating eye injuries. Exudative retinal detachment typically occurs in conditions such as Coat’s disease, uveitis, and malignant hypertension.