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Types of Retinal Detachment

Retinal detachments dramatically alter your vision and can lead to permanent changes that cost you your eyesight. While many people are at least somewhat aware of the condition, many patients aren’t overly familiar with the different types of retinal detachment.  

Technically, all retinal detachments involve the retina moving away from the back of the eye, leading to visual distortions, blind spots, and other symptoms. However, how they occur varies. Retinal detachments are separated into three categories: exudative, rhegmatogenous, and tractional. Each represents a different cause for a retinal detachment.  

Here is an overview of the three types of retinal detachment.  

Exudative  

Exudative retinal detachment happens when fluid begins building up behind the retina. As the fluid level rises, it puts pressure on the retina, eventually causing it to tear away from the back of the eye.  

In most cases, exudative retinal detachments are caused by swelling in the back of the eye or blood vessels in or near the back of the eye leaking. Causes of swelling or leaking vessels can include injuries, age-related macular degeneration, disease-related inflammation, and tumors. Individuals with Coats disease are also at risk.  

Rhegmatogenous  

Rhegmatogenous retinal detachments are the most prevalent kind of retinal detachment. These occur due to a small break or tear in the retina that allows the vitreous – a gel-like fluid in the eye – to flow behind the retina. As the vitreous positions itself behind the retina, it pushes against the retina. When the pressure is high enough, a detachment occurs.  

Most cases of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment are related to aging. As you get older, the vitreous can shrink or experience texture changes. At times, those changes pull on the retina, resulting in a tear. However, other situations – including eye surgeries, eye injuries, and nearsightedness – can also cause this type of retinal detachment.  

Tractional  

With tractional retinal detachments, the cause is typically scar tissue. As the scar tissue develops, it can tug at the retina, essentially pulling it away from the back of the eye.  

Generally, tractional retinal detachment is most commonly associated with diabetic retinopathy, an eye condition that individuals with diabetes may develop. Diabetic retinopathy leads to blood vessel damage, which can cause scarring. However, eye infections and other diseases can also cause retinal detachment. The same is true of eye swelling.  

Regardless of the cause, retinal detachment is a severe medical condition that requires immediate treatment. With quick treatment, vision loss can be minimized and even potentially reversible in some cases. As a result, anyone experiencing signs of retinal detachment – such as a sudden increase in floaters, bright light flashes, blurred vision, or darkening vision, among others – should seek emergency medical care immediately.  

At ECVA, the safety and health of our patients’ eyes are our priority. If you’re experiencing symptoms of a potential retinal attachment, require care relating to a past retinal detachment, or simply haven’t seen your eye care provider in the past year, the ECVA team is here to help. Schedule an appointment at your closest ECVA clinic today.  

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Does a Retinal Detachment Heal on Its Own?

Retinal detachment is a severe medical condition that can cost you your vision. As a result, it should always be taken seriously, as quick action is generally essential if you want to preserve your sight or repair any damage.  

However, many people wonder if a retinal detachment will heal on its own. If you’re curious about that option, here’s a look at retinal detachments, including why they happen and whether they can heal without intervention.  

How Do Retinal Detachments Occur?  

Retinal detachments can happen for a few reasons. The most common one is age-related. It begins with a retinal tear, which allows vitreous gel in the eye to shift and pull the retina away from the back of the eye. Tractional retinal detachments can occur when scar tissue pulls the retina away, a process that is more common in individuals with diabetes.  

With an exudative retinal detachment, fluid builds up behind the retina, pushing it away from the back of the eye. Leaking blood vessels, swelling after an injury, inflation, and macular degeneration can all potentially cause this type of detachment.  

Does a Retinal Detachment Heal on Its Own?  

If you’re wondering whether a retinal detachment can heal on its own, it’s essential to understand the difference between “healing” and “repairing” in the context of the condition. Technically, the eye can heal from this injury without intervention. However, it won’t repair any damage done. For example, a retina won’t typically reattach without medical intervention.  

There are also no home treatments for retinal detachment. Without assistance from your eye care provider, the best you can hope for is no vision loss beyond what you’re currently experiencing, though that may be unlikely if scar tissue, swelling, or other potential side effects exacerbate the detachment.  

Treating a Retinal Detachment  

As mentioned above, retinal detachments typically require treatment from an eye care provider if you want to preserve your vision or repair any damage. Depending on the type of retinal detachment, various courses of action may be viable.  

If there’s a retinal tear, thermal or cryopexy treatments may repair it, preventing any leakage that could lead to a detachment. Pneumatic retinopexy is another option for smaller tears, involving the placement of a strategic bubble to stop leakage.  

A scleral buckle can reposition the eye slightly, essentially pushing a segment of the eye back so that the tear or detachment can potentially heal. For larger tears or detachments, a vitrectomy could be necessary.  

In many cases, success rates tend to range from 80 to 90 percent, depending on the procedure. Additionally, it could take up to several months for your vision to return, even if it’s a success, depending on the nature of the issue, the severity of the detachment, and other factors.  

At ECVA, the safety and health of our patient’s eyes are our priority. If you are experiencing symptoms of a retinal detachment or simply haven’t seen your eye care provider in the past year, the ECVA team is here to help. Schedule an appointment at your closest ECVA clinic today.  

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The Stages of Diabetic Retinopathy

When a person has diabetes, they’re at risk of a debilitating eye condition called diabetic retinopathy. Essentially, elevated blood sugar levels damage blood vessels within the retina, leading to vision issues. Over time, it can even cause significant vision loss, if not blindness. 

Like most medical conditions, diabetic retinopathy occurs in phases. By understanding the stages, it’s possible to slow the development, preserving visual acuity. If you’re not familiar with the phase of diabetic retinopathy, here’s what you need to know about them. 

The Stages of Diabetic Retinopathy 

Mild Nonproliferative Retinopathy 

The first stage is mild nonproliferative retinopathy, also referred to as background retinopathy. During this phase, there are microaneurysms (small bulges) in the blood vessels in the retina, some of which may begin to leak. 

During this stage, there may be no noticeable vision issues. Additionally, treatment might not be required, depending on severity. However, even if treatment isn’t necessary, it’s wise to take steps to prevent the progression of the condition. Managing blood sugar levels, maintaining healthy blood pressure, and keeping cholesterol in check can all make a difference. 

Moderate Nonproliferative Retinopathy 

Also called pre-proliferative retinopathy, moderate nonproliferative retinopathy is the second stage of the condition. At this point, blood vessels in the retina are starting to swell, altering their ability to transport blood. 

As this occurs, diabetic macular edema (DME) can develop, causing blood and fluid to build up in the macula, a specific part of the retina. As the macula swells, central vision changes typically occur. 

Severe Nonproliferative Retinopathy 

Severe nonproliferative retinopathy is the third stage of the condition. At this point, blood vessel blockages are more common and severe, preventing blood from properly reaching and moving through the retinas. Scar tissue often begins forming. Additionally, poor blood flow triggers the formation of new blood vessels, some of which may cause issues as they develop. 

If blood flow is cut off, macular ischemia occurs. Blurry vision and dark spots are both common symptoms. Also, the odds of serious and permanent vision loss are very high at this stage. While treatment may slow progression, restoring what’s lost often isn’t possible. 

Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy 

During the fourth stage, new blood vessel growth in the retina and vitreous is increasingly common. That process is called neovascularization, and the resulting vessels are often weak, thin, and prone to bleeding. When bleeding occurs, more scar tissue forms, causing further issues. 

When the scar tissue shifts, it can pull the retina away from its position in the eye, resulting in retinal detachment. If that occurs, severe and permanent vision loss often occurs. 

Managing Diabetic Retinopathy 

If you’re at risk of diabetic retinopathy or are actively in one of the stages, working with an eye care professional is essential. They can monitor your condition and determine if treatments are necessary to slow or prevent the progression of the disease. 

At ECVA, the safety and health of our patient’s eyes are our priority. If you have signs or symptoms of diabetic retinopathy, the ECVA team is here to help. Schedule an appointment at your closest ECVA clinic today. 

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Diabetic Retinopathy: What It Is and Why an Annual Screening Is Essential

an older gentleman looking up at the sky

Diabetes can be incredibly difficult on the body. While most people understand its impact on blood sugar management, diabetes can also lead to a range of other conditions, including diabetic retinopathy.  

If left undiagnosed or untreated, diabetic retinopathy can rob you of your vision, potentially permanently. If you are wondering what diabetic retinopathy is, what the symptoms of diabetic retinopathy are, and why annual screening is so critical, here’s what you need to know.  

What Is Diabetic Retinopathy?  

Diabetic retinopathy is an eye condition where the blood vessels in the retina of your eye get weaker. Weaker vessels can leak, allowing fluid, blood, or lipids to build up in the retina. As this occurs, it can cause ischemia, meaning the eye isn’t getting proper blood flow.  

As the condition worsens, ischemia leads to the growth of abnormal blood vessels, often an attempt by the body to restore blood flow. However, the blood vessels can cause fluid leakage into the vitreous of the eye, resulting in changes that can lead to a tractional retinal detachment, a condition that can cause significant – and potentially permanent – vision loss  

Symptoms of Diabetic Retinopathy  

During the early stages of the condition, many people have little or no symptoms. However, as diabetic retinopathy worsens, people may have:  

  • Blurry Vision  
  • Distorted Vision 
  • Declining Color Acuity  
  • Decreasing Night Vision  
  • Increasing Floaters  
  • Trouble Reading  
  • Difficulty Seeing Objects at a Distance  

At times, the symptoms are lasting. However, they may also come and go, something that may cause them to go unnoticed or be disregarded as not serious, even though they indicate a genuine problem.  

If diabetic retinopathy leads to a retinal detachment, other symptoms can develop, including:  

  • Flashes of Light  
  • Sudden Appearance of a Large Number of Floaters  
  • Reduced Peripheral Vision  
  • Darkness or Curtain-Like Shadow Over Visual Field  
  • Blurred Vision  

Retinal detachments can cause dramatic vision loss. Without quick action, the loss can be permanent. As a result, if you experience any of the symptoms above, it’s considered an emergency, and you should seek medical attention immediately.  

Why You Need an Annual Screening for Diabetic Retinopathy  

If you have diabetes, you are at risk of diabetic retinopathy. While you may not experience symptoms of diabetic retinopathy initially, an eye doctor can see signs of the condition during an exam.  

That’s why getting an annual screening is so vital. It allows your eye doctor to identify the condition at the earliest possible stage, decreasing the odds that you’ll experience vision loss or a retinal detachment.  

Diabetic retinopathy is treatable, particularly if caught early. Any abnormal blood vessel growth can be addressed, and steps can be taken to slow the progression of the disease, all of which help you preserve your vision longer.  

At ECVA, our staff works diligently to care for the eye health of patients of all ages, including screening for harmful conditions like diabetic retinopathy. If you are experiencing any vision changes or are a diabetic and haven’t had a diabetic retinopathy screening within the last year, schedule an appointment at your closest ECVA clinic today.  

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Diabetic Eye Care Tips

If you have diabetes, you are at a greater risk of developing a variety of eye conditions or diseases, including blindness. Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness in individuals younger than 74.

Diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and cataracts all have a higher occurrence in those who have been diagnosed with diabetes. Additionally, you may struggle with conditions like dry eye. This can make your eyes feel incredibly uncomfortable and might affect your visual acuity.

If you want to make sure that your eyes remain healthy, here are some diabetic eye care tips to follow.

Keep Control of Your Blood Sugar

High blood sugar can alter your eye lens’ shape, leading to temporarily blurry vision. Additionally, elevated blood sugar can damage blood vessels in the eye, leading to issues with eye health and visual acuity.

By keeping your blood sugar as controlled as possible, you can avoid these issues. Make sure to speak with your doctor to identify an A1c goal and then work to achieve it and to keep your blood sugar in check each and every day.

Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle

If you are diabetic, a healthy lifestyle is often essential. If you eat healthy, exercise, check your blood sugar often, and use any medications prescribed by your doctor, you have the best odds reducing your LDL cholesterol, and ensuring your heart health.

Healthy eating and exercise can help your eyes. They can ensure that you get the proper nutrients and maintain good blood flow. Additionally, it may lower your LDL cholesterol, something that, if left unchecked, may cause blood vessel damage that could harm your eyes.

If you have diabetes and have high blood pressure, you are increasing your odds of developing certain eye diseases and suffering from vision loss. By making healthy lifestyle changes that keep your blood pressure in the healthy range, you are protecting your eye health, too.

See Your Ophthalmologist Annually

Many diabetic eye diseases initially have no symptoms. By seeing your ophthalmologist every year and having a dilated eye exam, they can look for signs of damage before any changes to your vision occur. This can allow them to start treatment before symptoms appear, ensuring your vision is preserved or that the reduction is as limited as possible.

Schedule Emergency Eye Appointments If Necessary

Certain vision changes could indicate a problem that needs to be addressed immediately. If you begin to see black spots or lines in your vision that won’t disappear, see red spots or fog, experience sudden changes in visual acuity, or your eyes begin to struggle when adjusting to darkness, head to your eye doctor’s office immediately.

If you are diabetic and concerned about your eye health, make a plan to visit your ophthalmologist or optometrist right away. Schedule an appointment at your closest ECVA clinic. Our skilled team will conduct a thorough exam, ensuring any health concerns can be addressed. Plus, they’ll work diligently to resolve any vision issues, allowing you to see clearly. We’ll design a personalized treatment plan based on your needs, ensuring your eyes can remain as healthy as possible.

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What is Diabetic Retinopathy?

Maintaining the health of your eyes is essential. Otherwise, a medical condition could cause irreparable damage, causing you to lose visual acuity or your ability to see.

If you suffer from diabetes, you could be at risk for diabetic retinopathy, a harmful condition that can rob you of your vision. Here’s what you need to know about this damaging eye disease.

What is Diabetic Retinopathy?

Diabetic retinopathy, in the simplest terms, is an eye disease that can occur in people who have diabetes and rob them of their vision. High blood sugar levels (blood glucose levels) can damage the blood vessels in the retina. Damaged blood vessels can lead to swelling and even leaking. In some cases, the blood vessels close, preventing blood from flowing properly in the eye. In both of those cases, your vision can be compromised, leading to diminished clarity or partial or full blindness.

At times, diabetic retinopathy can lead to the growth of new blood vessels on the retina. When this occurs, damage to your vision is possible, including falling acuity and even varying degrees of blindness.

Those in the initial stages of diabetic retinopathy may not know they have the condition. Often, the earliest symptoms can only be spotted during a thorough eye exam. However, noticeable symptoms do eventually occur, including blurriness, an increased number of floaters, vision changes, dark or black spots in the field of vision, declining night vision, and colors looking washed out or faded.

How is Diabetic Retinopathy Diagnosed?

First, your ophthalmologist will take a detailed medical history. As they proceed, they will ask you about any current medical conditions and whether you are experiencing any symptoms that could make you prone to diabetic retinopathy or indicate you may have the condition.

During an exam, the ophthalmologist uses drops to dilate your eyes, causing your pupils to widen. Then, they can examine your eye with a special lens, allowing them to look for signs of diabetic retinopathy.

In some cases, your ophthalmologist may perform a fluorescein angiography. A special dye is injected into a vein, typically in your arm. Then, once the dye reaches the blood vessels in your eye, images are captured with a special camera, letting your ophthalmologist to see any blockages, leaks, or abnormal blood vessel growth.

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is an alternative approach for closely examining the retina. A specialized machine scans the eye, providing highly detailed images that can help your ophthalmologist spot signs of diabetic retinopathy.

How is Diabetic Retinopathy Treated?

If your ophthalmologist diagnoses you with diabetic retinopathy, they may recommend certain treatments based on how the condition presents in your eyes. Typically, they will discuss blood sugar control options that can help slow the condition or even restore some of your vision.

They may also recommend an anti-VEGF medication, a prescription designed the limit swelling in the macula of the eye and potentially stop or reverse vision loss, or steroids, which also reduce inflammation. These medications are administered by a medical professional as it has to be given as an injection in the eye.

Laser surgery is another potential treatment. The lasers can seal leaking blood vessels and reduce swelling. They can also shrink intrusive blood vessels and potentially prevent them from recurring.

In more advanced cases, vitrectomy – a surgical procedure that removes blood from leaking vessels and vitreous gel toward the back of the eye – allows light to properly pass through the retina. This can help improve your vision and slow the progression of the condition.

If you are concerned about the health of your eyes or have not had a recent checkup, schedule an appointment at your nearest ECVA location today. Our skilled ophthalmologists, optometrists, and opticians work diligently to maintain the health of your eyes and to correct vision issues, ensuring your eyes remain in the best shape possible and you can see clearly.

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT TODAY!

If you have further questions or would like to schedule an appointment with one of the Ophthalmologists at Eye Care and Vision Associates please call 716.631-EYES (3937) or visit www.ecvaeyecare.com .