There are a few different detached retina causes, each forming one of three types. Regardless of what is causing the problem, a detached retina is very serious and should be treated with urgency. Patients that suspect they are experiencing symptoms of a detached retina should seek out professional medical assistance as soon as possible. Each type can lead to blindness and further damage of the retina if not properly and promptly cared for.
The Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment
Detached retina causes that fall under the Rhegmatogenous category happen when there is a break in the retina. This break allows fluid, called the vitreous, to pass through the newly formed opening. There are three different types of potential breaks a retina can suffer from: a tear, a hole, and a dialyses.
Tractional Retinal Detachment
The detached retina causes that come with a tractional case are usually identified as an injury or inflammation. When this type of trauma happens, the retina can be pulled. The stress leads to a detached retina, tear, or both.
Exudative Retinal Detachment
Exudative retinal detachment is also called secondary or serous. This type happens when fluid accumulates under the retina with no hole to escape through. Detached retina causes in this case are similar to the tractional category, brought on by an injury or inflammation. Vascular abnormalities can also bring on exudative retinal detachment.
Treatment of Detached Retinas
After learning detached retina causes and how they differ, it is easy to understand why each may require a different procedure to correct. The patient should obtain medical advice from an eye doctor or, in case one is not available, from the emergency room physician. Quick reaction time is vital to a solid recovery, so the problem should not be ignored until office hours are available. The patient is at risk of completely losing their eye sight, so time is of the essence.