Retinal Detachment

If you have symptoms of retinal detachment, like seeing flashes of light or an increase in floaters, seek treatment immediately. At Retina Consultants of Muncie in Muncie, Indiana, vitreoretinal ophthalmologist Jeffrey Rapkin, MD, specializes in treating retinal detachment with both minimally invasive and surgical methods. Call the office today to request a retinal detachment consultation or book online. 

What causes retinal detachment?

At Retinal Consultants of Muncie, Dr. Rapkin treats retinal detachment caused by:

Rhegmatogenous

This type of detachment happens because of a small tear in your retina. The fluid in your eye (vitreous) can leak through the tear and build up behind your retina, causing it to pull away from the supportive tissues beneath.

Tractional

This type of retinal detachment occurs because of scar tissue. The most common cause of retinal scarring is diabetes. As scar tissue builds up, it causes your retina to pull away from the supportive tissues beneath.

Exudative

Exudative detachment happens when fluid builds up beneath your retina even though there’s no tear. Often, it’s caused by leaking blood vessels.

After determining the type of detachment, Dr. Rapkin makes treatment recommendations.

What are the symptoms of retinal detachment?

Symptoms of retinal detachment include:

• Darkening or your peripheral vision (side vision)
• Seeing lots of floaters
• Seeing flashes of light
• Shadow covering part of your vision

Retinal detachment doesn’t cause pain or discomfort. Even so, it’s a serious issue and requires treatment to keep it from worsening. 

How is retinal detachment diagnosed?

Dr. Rapkin reviews your medical records, asks about your symptoms, and completes a comprehensive eye exam. Then, he dilates your eyes with special eye drops and uses magnifying lenses to view your retina, macula, and the other structures at the back of your eyes. 

Dr. Rapkin also orders optical coherence tomography (OCT). OCT takes cross-sectional photos of your eyes, allowing Dr. Rapkin to see your retina and any surrounding damage.

How is retinal detachment treated?

Dr. Rapkin provides personalized treatment for retinal detachment in his office and at hospitals in Muncie and Anderson, Indiana. He may recommend:

Laser therapy

During laser therapy, Dr. Rapkin uses targeted light energy to seal the tear in your retina. The laser creates a scar, holding your retina in place.

Pneumatic retinopexy

During pneumatic retinopexy, Dr. Rapkin injects a small gas bubble into the vitreous (fluid) in your eye. The air bubble presses up against your retina, sealing the tear and preventing further detachment.

Scleral buckle

A scleral buckle is a silicone band that Dr. Rapkin surgically places around your eye. The band holds your retina in place and stays there permanently.

Vitrectomy

During a vitrectomy, Dr. Rapkin removes the natural vitreous (fluid) from your eye and replaces it with gas or air. The gas or air pushes your retina back into position and is reabsorbed by your body.

Call Retina Consultants of Muncie today to receive treatment for retinal detachment, or book your appointment online.