Retinal Detachment Information and Treatment – Minneapolis and Surrounding Areas
Retinal detachment - the pulling or tearing of the retina from its normal position - can cause permanent vision loss if untreated. At Northwest Eye, our team of ophthalmologists provides outstanding treatment for retinal detachment for patients in Maple Grove, Wayzata, Plymouth, Robbinsdale, Minneapolis, Minnetonka, Elk River, and surrounding communities throughout Minnesota. We are dedicated to helping patients understand the condition so that they may seek treatment at the first sign of symptoms.
What is Retinal Detachment?
Retinal detachment, also referred to as detached retina and retinal tear, occurs when the retina - the layer of tissue lining the inside of the eye that transmits information through the optic nerve to the brain - is pulled away from the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) (the cell layer that nourishes the retina). The retina may detach completely, or it may tear in small areas (retinal tears or retinal breaks, which can lead to complete detachment).
Types of Retinal Detachment
There are three main types of retinal detachment:
Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment - occurs when fluid leaks through a hole in the retina, flows under the retina, and separates the retina from the RPE.
Tractional Retinal Detachment - occurs when scar tissue on the retina contracts, causing separation from the RPE.
Exudative Retinal Detachment - occurs when fluid leaks into the area under the retina but does not cause retinal tears; often associated with retinal diseases and trauma to the eyes.
Retinal Detachment Symptoms and Risk Factors
Although anyone is at risk for retinal detachment, persons face a greater risk if they are over age 40, male, Caucasian, extremely nearsighted, have a personal or family history of retinal detachment, or have had cataract surgery, other eye diseases, or eye injuries. Symptoms of retinal detachment include "floaters", the appearance of light flashes or of a "curtain" over the field of vision, and eye pain.
Retinal detachment constitutes a medical emergency, so patients should seek treatment immediately. If you are at risk for the condition, or if you are experiencing symptoms, contact Northwest Eye right away for retinal detachment treatment. We serve Maple Grove, Wayzata, Plymouth, Robbinsdale, Minneapolis, Minnetonka, Elk River, and surrounding communities throughout the Twin Cities area.
Retinal Detachment Treatment
In most cases, retinal detachment can be successfully treated. The visual outcome is not always predictable, and subsequent treatments may be necessary. Most treatments require a brief hospital stay. Treatment options for retinal detachment include:
Laser surgery - a laser treatment that helps "weld" the retina back in place by making tiny burns around the retinal tear
Cryopexy - a freeze treatment that helps reattach the retina by freezing the area around the retinal tear
Vitrectomy - a surgical treatment that involves replacing the gel-like substance in the eye with gas, which creates pressure that holds the retina in place
Scleral buckle - the surgical placement of a scleral buckle (a tiny synthetic band) that gently holds the eyeball and the detached retina together
Contact Northwest Eye
If you are have a personal or family history of retinal detachment, or if you are experiencing symptoms, contact Northwest Eye right away to receive the top-notch treatment you need. We provide outstanding retinal detachment treatment for patients in Maple Grove, Wayzata, Plymouth, Robbinsdale, Minneapolis, Minnetonka, Elk River, and surrounding communities.