Retina is the internal membrane of the eye, which is sensitive to light and capable of receiving visual stimuli, which are then sent through the optical nerve to the brain, where these stimuli are being processed. The retina consists of ten layers. When ablation happens, nine inner layers are detached from the retinal pigment epithelium. Fluids amass in the space made by this detachment. Spots of the retina, which are thus detached, lose vision.
Ways in which ablation occurs
- By breaking the retina. This is the most common way in which ablation occurs. The retina develops a tear, or an opening through which fluids can penetrate and lead to the delayering of retina and its ablation.
- By the retinal retraction without the previous rupture of the membrane. Connective adhesives, which are created between the glassy eye body and the retina mechanically pull on the retina and cause ablation.
- By the accumulation of fluids (exudation) in the area underneath the retina. In this case, there is no tear in the retina itself.
Detached retina causes and risk factors
The causes of the ablation occurrence are very diverse and numerous. Ablation can be caused by the innate malformations, eye injuries, and previous eye surgeries (membrane surgery), metabolic diseases (advanced diabetes), inflammatory processes, tumors, and diseases of blood vessels.
It often occurs in cases of an advanced myopia and due to the degenerative changes in the vitreous body. The risk for the ablation occurrence increases with age. The disease most frequently occurs between the ages of 40 and 70 (Ablation that occurs as a consequence of an eye injury is more frequent in young persons). The risk is also higher in persons who have already had the ablation of retina, as well as in persons who have a family history of this disease.
Symptoms and signs of the disease
Ablation of retina is painless. The symptoms manifest themselves through the eyesight. The leading early symptoms are different blurred, silty vision and glittery sparkles in front of the eyes. Something resembling thin threads or flies can also appear in the visual field. Later, in the advanced stages of the ablation, the patient notices something that resembles a curtain that floats in front of the eyes and obstructs a part of the visual field.
Diagnosis of the disease
It is important to mention that the ablation of retina is an emergent state that requires early diagnostics and timely therapy. Untreated ablation of retina can lead to the eyesight loss or the constriction of the visual field of the affected eye.
Diagnosis is set by an ophthalmologist. After a conversation with a doctor, in which the eventual risk factors for the occurrence of the ablation are attempted to be determined (previous eye injury, eye surgeries, eye inflammation, diabetes, tumors), an examination in which a doctor will check the eyesight, visual field, and possible signs of eye injury, follows.
The most important part of the examination is the ophthalmoscopy. This is a painless method in which the eye posterior chamber is examined with an ophthalmoscope for signs of the ablation of retina. In cases when the blurring of the retina, membrane, or bleeding of the eye prevent a precise eye examination, it is necessary to perform an ultrasound.
These examinations are generally sufficient for determining a diagnosis of the disease. The X-rays, the computerized tomography, or an MRI are not necessary for determining the diagnosis of this disease.
Treatment
Ablation of retina is usually localized in one part of the retina, but if it is not treated, it can affect the entire retina and seriously compromise the eyesight. The treatment is surgical. The principal of the treatment is to close the existing crack in the retina and prevent the ablation or stop the further retinal detachment. This is usually achieved with the use of a laser (photocoagulation) and freezing (cryotherapy), or with the use of the silicon glue and pneumatic retinopexy. In the affected area, the existing crack is closed and a scar that glues the separated retina parts back together is created.