Detached Retina
Global Impact, Global Goals
In order to understand the risk of retinal detachment throughout the world, it's important to realize the conditions it is often associated with and their impact on the global population. Often occurring in those who are myopic, as they age, detached retinas also show a pattern of occurrence following cataract surgery. Taking into account the world prevalence of short-sightedness, the ever-increasing aged population and the incidence of cataracts, one can foresee the potential for increased cases of detached retinas in the future.
What Is Retinal Detachment?
Usually the retina is attached to the inner surface of the eye. If there is a tear or hole in the retina then fluid can get underneath it. This weakens the attachment so that the retina becomes detached – rather like wallpaper peeling off a damp wall. When this happens the retina cannot compose a clear picture from the incoming rays and vision becomes blurred and dim.
Occurring most often to middle aged, short sighted people, detached retinas usually affect about one person in ten thousand – on rare occasions, a young person can suffer from a detached retina or one can occur as the result of a blow to the head. The most common symptom of a detached retina is a shadow spreading across the vision of one eye, often accompanied by bright flashes of light or showers of dark spots called floaters. These symptoms are never painful.
While never causing any pain in the patient, prompt treatment is necessary – as medical attention can often minimize the damage to your eye.
The Alcon Difference
When addressed early enough, treatment for a detached retina may only involve a minor surgical procedure. Often however, an operation to repair the hole in the retina will be needed. The damage can often be repaired with a single operation in 90 percent of cases – thanks to the advancement of surgical devices such as Alcon's Accurus® Surgical System.
