Retinal detachment refers to the condition where the retina pulls away from its normal position.

Written by Li Zhuo
Ophthalmology
Updated on September 11, 2024
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The structure of the human eye consists of three layers: the sclera, the choroid, and the retina. Retinal detachment is not actually a separation between the retina and the choroid, but rather a separation between the neural epithelial layer and the pigment epithelial layer of the retina, which means it is a detachment between the inner nine layers and the outermost layer of the retina. Retinal detachment can be classified into three types: rhegmatogenous retinal detachment, which is mainly caused by a tear in the retina allowing the vitreous fluid to enter the subretinal space; tractional retinal detachment, which occurs due to vitreous and retinal proliferation exerting traction on the retina, commonly seen in diabetic retinal detachment; and exudative retinal detachment, which is caused by accumulation of fluid between layers due to abnormal choroiditis.

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Written by Zheng Xin
Ophthalmology
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Can retinal detachment heal by itself?

Retinal detachment refers to the separation between the neural epithelial layer and the pigment epithelial layer of the retina. Based on its cause, it can be categorized into rhegmatogenous retinal detachment, tractional retinal detachment, and exudative retinal detachment. Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment requires repositioning of the retina and closure of the break. If it is tractional retinal detachment, it is necessary to remove the cause, generally requiring vitrectomy and retinal reposition surgery. Exudative retinal detachment generally occurs due to inflammation or other irritations causing exudation or bleeding in the retina, resulting in detachment, typically without retinal breaks. This type of retinal detachment only requires treatment for the underlying disease, and aggressive treatment of the primary disease can generally lead to a cure. Therefore, retinal detachment must be treated; it cannot heal on its own.

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Written by Li Zhuo
Ophthalmology
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When is the second surgery for retinal detachment?

The question you asked is about when the second surgery for retinal detachment should take place, which implies that the first surgery for retinal detachment failed, necessitating a second surgery. Due to the proliferation of the retina, which generally peaks around two to three weeks, it is recommended that if the first surgery fails, the second surgery should be conducted about 10-14 days after the first surgery, which is about half a month later. This timing can help reduce the failure rate of the surgery and avoid the peak proliferation period of the retina.

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Written by Zheng Xin
Ophthalmology
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Does retinal detachment cause eye pain?

Retinal detachment refers to the separation between the neural epithelial layer and the pigment epithelial layer of the retina at the back of the eye. Its main symptoms include flashes of light, blurry vision, and visual obstruction. It is characterized by a painless, sudden decrease in vision. Therefore, patients experiencing retinal detachment will notice flashes of light and a rapid decrease in vision prior to the condition developing, without feeling pain, thus there is no pain associated with retinal detachment.

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Written by Li Zhuo
Ophthalmology
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Can you take a plane with a detached retina?

Retinal detachment and flying are divided into pre-surgery and post-surgery considerations. Before retinal detachment surgery, it is generally permissible to fly, as this typically does not significantly impact the symptoms of retinal detachment. However, what occurs after the surgery must be considered. If, after surgery, only silicone oil is used as a filler, flying is permissible as it does not affect pressure changes. However, if an inert gas is used as a filler after retinal detachment surgery, it can expand due to changes in air pressure at high altitudes. This expansion increases its volume, which can alter the internal pressure of the eye, potentially compressing the eyeball and the retina, leading to ischemia of the central retinal artery. In such cases, where inert or expansible gases are filled within the eye, flying is not advisable until the gas has dissipated.

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Written by Zheng Xin
Ophthalmology
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What does a detached retina feel like?

The professional term for retinal detachment is "retinal detachment." It primarily refers to the separation between the neuroepithelial layer and the pigment epithelial layer of the retina. Early manifestations of retinal detachment may include mild vision loss, accompanied by floaters, flashes of light, or a shadow that obscures vision. As the condition progresses, symptoms gradually worsen, and when the macular area of the retina is involved, significant vision loss occurs.