Retinal Detachment
What is it?
A retinal detachment can cause a total loss of sight in the affected eye. The retina is the light-sensitive tissue that is inside the eye. Trauma to the eye, high myopia, tumors to the eye, and certain diseases that produce fibrous bands of scar tissue pull the retina away from its attachment to the back of the eye.
Current Treatment:
- Scleral buckles, cryoplexy (freezing), and lasers are used to form a scar that welds the retina back into position.
Future Treatment:
- New adhesives that are biocompatible are being developed.
- Silicon oil, Helon and air bubbles have all been used to push the retina back into position. New materials will soon be used that will not distort vision.