With many years of experience, a Newport Beach Retina Doctor from Retina Associates of Orange County is practiced in treatment for retina detachment. We know the value and importance of good eye care. We have successfully treated many patients who have experienced a retina detachment. With our experience, you can rest assured that you are in the care of accomplished and practiced ophthalmologists.
The Retina
The retina lines the back of the eye and is responsible for processing light to the brain through the optic nerve, as a Newport Beach retina doctor can explain. When this occurs, the brain interprets the light into objects and images that are recognizable. The retina is vital when it comes to the eye’s health. When the retina is damaged, it could lead to permanent blindness. A detached retina prohibits the eye from being able to communicate with the brain.
Retinal Detachment
Retinal detachment occurs when the thin layer of tissue known as the retina pulls away from its usual location. If not treated swiftly, damage from a detached retina could result in permanent blindness. It is important to note that if you suspect a detached retina and are not able to see an ophthalmologist immediately, you will need to receive emergency treatment.
Symptoms
A person experiencing a detached retina may not act immediately upon noticing symptoms because they may not experience pain as a result. This is perhaps one of the biggest mistakes you can make. Failure to seek medical treatment could result in more severe repercussions such as blindness. You may experience the following symptoms:
- Blurred vision
- Floaters- or tiny white dots that obstruct your vision
- Light Flashes
- Poor peripheral vision
Treatment for a Retinal Detachment
Depending on the severity of the detached retina, treatment usually takes place over the course of one to two outpatient surgical procedures. Usually the second surgery is not a definite until you have been able to heal from the initial surgery. A Newport Beach retina doctor on our team will take the time to assess and recommend a surgery that will best treat the issues. The following are types of surgeries we may choose from to complete the procedure:
- Vitrectomy The Newport Beach Retina Doctor will remove any tissue that may be pulling on the retina and flatten the retina by injecting it with either air, silicone oil or gas which eventually will be absorbed into the body and replaced with body fluids. In the event that a surgeon chooses to use silicone oil, another surgery will be required once the retina has healed to remove it.
- Pneumatic Retinopexy Using cryoplexy helps to secure the area where the retina has detached. A surgeon will infuse the center of the eye with air that will push the damaged area against the wall of the eye.
- Scleral Buckling This is when the surgeon repairs the retina by sewing silicone to the area of the eye that has been torn or detached. This helps to alleviate some of the pulling that may be occurring. The silicone often remains on your eye permanently but will not have an impact on your vision.
Your vision is one of your most important senses. You will want to make sure that you are in the trusting and capable hands of the ophthalmologists at Retina Associates of Orange County. If you are experiencing symptoms of retinal detachment, and are concerned that you may be suffering from this type of disease, contact Retina Associates of Orange County. Call a Newport Beach Retina Doctor at 949-707-5125 to avoid more severe side effects by scheduling an appointment immediately.