Retinal Detachment And Low Vision
Retinal detachment is a serious eye emergency that affects approximately 1 in 10,000 Americans each year.
Left untreated, retinal detachment can cause irreversible vision loss and is a common cause of low vision. Thankfully, a low vision optometrist can provide a wide range of low vision aids to patients who have vision loss due to retinal detachment, so they can continue to lead fulfilling and independent lives.
What is Retinal Detachment?
The retina is the thin layer of tissue that lines the inner back surface of the eye and captures light that is processed by the brain. Normally, the retina is securely fixed to the sclera and nourished by a network of blood vessels underneath it called the choroid.
The retina is connected to the back of the eye much like a zipper connects two pieces of fabric. A retinal detachment occurs when the retina is pulled away, like the opening of a zipper, from its normal position. This creates a space between the retina and the back of the eye, and cuts off the retina from the blood supply that supports it.
How Can a Retinal Detachment Impair Vision?
The earliest signs of a retinal detachment are a sudden increase in flashes and floaters in the visual field. Another symptom of retinal detachment is seeing a dark shadow or “curtain” appear in the periphery or middle of your vision. A detached retina can also cause blurred vision and distorted vision, when straight lines appear wavy.
These symptoms can occur in one or both eyes. Sometimes, if the retinal detachment is small enough, you may not notice any symptoms at all.
If you notice any changes in your vision or any of the symptoms listed above, contact your eye doctor right away to prevent irreversible vision loss.
If the retinal detachment is not treated in time, the photoreceptors in the retina begin to die from a lack of nourishment, resulting in permanent vision loss. This process can take some time or happen suddenly, depending on the severity and location of the detachment.
Low Vision Aids Can Help Patients With Retinal Detachment
Even after treatment, there is still a chance that a patient will experience some degree of permanent vision loss, especially if the detachment occurred in the macula (the center of the retina).
Low vision is defined as fully corrected vision that is insufficient to do what you want to do. Patients with low vision due to retinal detachment can still carry out daily activities independently using low vision aids and devices prescribed by a low vision optometrist.
Low vision aids work by [maximizing] whatever usable vision remains, to enable patients to watch TV, recognize faces, use a computer or engage in work or hobbies despite being visually impaired.
Our low vision eye doctors offer a wide range of low vision glasses and devices to patients with varying degrees of vision loss. We also provide post-operative management and care to patients who’ve undergone retinal reattachment surgery, to monitor their eye health for the best possible outcome.
Some popular low vision glasses and devices used by patients with retinal detachment include telescopic and microscopic glasses, mounted or handheld magnifiers and video magnification systems.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with any condition that may cause low vision, contact us to learn how we can help — even when other practitioners have told you that nothing more can be done.
Our practice provides low vision management, aids and devices to patients from CITY 1, CITY 2, CITY 3, and CITY 4, and surrounding communities.