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One of the key concerns of an optometrist is the health of the retina, which is a thin layer of light-sensitive nerve cells at the back of each eye. Without healthy, functioning retinas, you aren’t able to see clearly. When your retina becomes detached, it can lead to blurry sight and even permanent vision loss. Here’s a closer look at the signs and types of detachment.

How Retinal Detachment Occurs

Retinal detachment is when the retina pulls away from its normal position. It separates the retinal cells from the layer of blood vessels that give oxygen and nourishment to the eye, making a detached retina an emergency situation.

Symptoms of retinal detachment are the appearance of floaters and flashes or suddenly reduced vision. The longer a retinal detachment is sustained, the worse it gets, so you should see an optometrist at the first sign of trouble.

Types of Retinal Detachment

Rhegmatogenous

optometristThis type of retinal detachment occurs when there’s a tear or break in the retina itself. This tear lets liquid pass into the subretinal space located between the sensory retina and the retinal pigment epithelium, causing an excessive buildup of fluid that is detrimental to your eye. Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) is the most common type.

Exudative

This occurs when injury, inflammation, or vascular abnormalities cause fluid to build up under the retina. While there’s no hole or tear associated with this type of retinal detachment, fluid gets trapped behind the retina and pushes it away from the back of the eye.

Tractional

Tractional retinal detachment is caused by scar tissue. The most common cause is diabetes. High blood sugar can cause the blood vessels in the back of the eye to become damaged and scar the retina. When these scars grow, they pull on the retina and cause it to detach.

 

If you think you’re experiencing retinal detachment, reach out to the experienced optometrists at Midwest Eye Center: A Division of TriState Centers for Sight. Located in the greater Cincinnati, OH, and northern Kentucky area, they offer a wide scope of services like general eye care, LASIK, glaucoma surgery, and corneal transplants. Give them a call today at (859) 525-6215 or visit them online to schedule an appointment.
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