Retinal Detachments Specialist
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Mile High Retina: Mark E. Patron, MD
Board Certified Ophthalmologist & Retina Surgeon located in Denver, Colorado
Without treatment, retinal detachments are almost certain to cause blindness — but, if you take immediate action, you can maintain your healthy eyesight. At Mile High Retina located in Denver, Colorado, board-certified ophthalmologist and retina surgeon Mark E. Patron, MD, offers compassionate, personalized treatment exactly when you need it. Call the office for help today.
Retinal Detachments Q & A
What are retinal detachments?
A retinal detachment (RD) is a dangerous ocular condition in which part or all of your retina separates from the back wall of your eye.
Partial retinal detachments almost always worsen, which means vision loss if you do not get timely treatment. Because of this, retinal detachment is an emergency situation.
What are the symptoms of retinal detachment?
Retinal detachment symptoms occur in one eye. The early signs of retinal detachment include:
- Suddenly seeing a lot of floaters
- Suddenly seeing stars or bright flashes of light
- Shadow in your side vision
- Gray haze over part of your visual field
Floaters and flashes are not necessarily serious, but when they happen in large numbers or appear alongside other symptoms, you need to see Dr. Patron immediately.
What causes retinal detachments?
As you age, the vitreous gel that fills the back of your eye shrinks and liquefies. Normally, the vitreous peels from your retina gradually without any serious issues, a process called posterior vitreous detachment.
With a retinal detachment, your vitreous pulls so forcefully that it tears the retina. Fluid that is normally present in the back of your eye then moves beneath this tear to separate the retina from the wall of your eye.
The main risk factors for retinal detachment include:
- Myopia (nearsightedness)
- Past eye surgery
- Past retinal detachment in your other eye
- Family history of retinal detachment
If you have any of these risk factors, or if Dr. Patron identifies changes in your eye like weakening areas within your retina, he may recommend more frequent eye exams to monitor your eye health and prevent retinal detachment.
How are retinal detachments treated?
Some retinal detachments may be treated with in-office laser treatments. However, retinal detachments more often require surgical intervention.
The most common treatment for retinal detachments is vitrectomy, in which Dr. Patron surgically removes your vitreous, uses a laser to tack your retina to the back wall of your eye, and then injects a temporary gas bubble to push your retina back to its proper position.
Scleral buckle surgery, in which a silicone band is used to bring the wall of the eye closer to the retina, may be used in combination or in place of vitrectomy.
For comprehensive expert treatment of a detached retina, call Mile High Retina today.
