Retinal Detachment: A Leading Cause of Blindness
Retinal detachment, caused by retinal tears, can lead to blindness without prompt treatment. Learn about early warning signs, risk factors, and life-saving interventions from Prof. Dr. Tansu Erakgün. Discover the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for retinal detachment. Kaşkaloğlu Eye Hospital’s Prof. Dr. Tansu Erakgün explains how early intervention can prevent blindness.
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Retinal Detachment: A Leading Cause of Blindness
Early Detection Can Prevent Vision Loss, Says Expert
Prof. Dr. Tansu Erakgün, an ophthalmologist at Kaşkaloğlu Eye Hospital, warns that retinal detachment, caused by a tear in the retina, can lead to irreversible blindness if not treated promptly. The condition primarily affects individuals with high myopia, a history of eye trauma, prior cataract surgery, or a family history of retinal detachment.
What is Retinal Detachment?
Retinal detachment occurs when the retina, the eye's innermost nerve layer responsible for vision, tears and separates from its underlying tissue. Prof. Dr. Erakgün explained, “Certain groups, including highly myopic individuals and those with prior eye injuries or surgeries, are more susceptible to this condition.”
Recognizing the Warning Signs
Retinal tears often present sudden symptoms such as floating black spots or threads in the visual field. “These floaters may resemble cobwebs or ash particles,” said Erakgün. Another common symptom is light flashes, which patients describe as resembling shooting stars or camera flashes.
Without timely intervention, these retinal tears can progress into retinal detachment, further narrowing the field of vision. “It often feels like a dark curtain is being drawn over the eye,” Erakgün emphasized.
The Importance of Early Intervention
The progression of retinal detachment can lead to complete vision loss if the central retina is affected. However, early detection can significantly improve outcomes.
“When retinal tears are detected early, laser therapy can be used to seal them and prevent further damage,” noted Erakgün. “If detachment occurs, surgical intervention becomes necessary. Vitrectomy is the most commonly performed procedure. This minimally invasive, stitch-free surgery removes the fluid causing the detachment and seals the tears with laser therapy.”
With early treatment, the success rate is remarkably high, offering hope to those at risk of blindness.
