Retinal Detachments Caused By Trauma

A detached retina occurs when the retina is pulled or falls away from its normal position. The retina is a light-sensitive layer of tissue that lines the back of the eye. It converts visual images into nerve impulses in the brain that allow us to see.

During an automobile accident, the forces of the crash can put pressure on a number of internal organs causing bleeding, pain and chronic disabilities. When the head strikes a blunt object such as a steering wheel or window, a tear or break in the retina can occur. These tears can lead to retinal detachment and if left untreated, can cause permanent damage to the eye and even blindness.

A retinal detachment is painless. If you have any of these symptoms, contact an eye doctor immediately:

Sudden appearance or increase in the number of “floaters,” which are shapes that float in the eye and are seen in the field of vision
Brief flashes of light in the eye
Loss of the eye’s central or peripheral field of vision
A curtain appears to fall over part of the visual field
Sudden changes or blurring of vision

There are two types of surgical procedures for treating a Retinal Detachment:

Vitrectomy– Which is the surgical removal of vitreous fluid that is pulling on the retina and causing detachment

Scleral buckle–the surgical placement of a flexible band or band(s) around the eye.

See the video below: