Question 1

im 16 and im not sure if i have retinal detachment, how do i tell?

Accepted Answer

See an eye doctor: You must have your eyes dilated and examined. A retinal detachment can't wait. Get a move on.

Question 2

what to do if i have retinal detachment, is surgery my only option, it's quite expensive?

Accepted Answer

Surgery now!: If your retina is detached, time is vision!  The sooner your retina is repaired the more likely you are to regain vision lost, or prevent permanent vision loss.  Not every detachment is the same.  Some retinal detachments can be fixed with an in-office procedure.  Don't delay!

Question 3

if i have retinal detachment symptoms and am going to the doctor tomorrow, will conditions worsen by then?

Accepted Answer

Depends: If the macula (central part of your retina where most of your central vision comes from) is off already, then it won't matter much at all.   If the macula is still on but it comes off by tomorrow, then yes conditions can worsen.  Bottom line is, that question is unanswerable, unless we know the status and type of retinal detachment.

Question 4

must i call my doctor or ambulance if i have retinal detachment?

Accepted Answer

Eye Doctor: Ambulance not helpful or necessary for a retinal detachment evlaution. Call your ophthalmologist, or if you don't have one, get a referral from your primary medical doctor or the closest emergency room. You can usually be seen as an office patient, within a short time, if you explain your symptoms to the receptionist or office nurse. You may be referred to a vitreoretinal specialist if you have rd.

Question 5

if i got to the eye doctor how will they test me if i have retinal detachment ?

Accepted Answer

An ophthalmologist : If you go to an ophthalmologist as opposed to an optometrist, they will most likely dilate your eyes for a thorough exam which will rule out a retinal detachment among other things.  But please ask that they do so.

Question 6

can you tell me what to do if i don't have flashes but i'm scared anyway i will have retinal detachment?

Accepted Answer

Get an exam: The only way to find out is to have an exam by a qualified eye MD.  AAO.org is very helpful.  If you have a retinal detachment, the sooner you see a specialist the better.  Time is vision.

Question 7

what is retinal detachment?

Accepted Answer

Elevated retina: A retinal detachment is a separation of the retina from the eye wall. It can be caused by a tear or hole that allows fluid from the middle of the eye to get under the retina and elevate it, by an inflammatory process that allows fluid to collect under the retina, or by scarring inside the eye that pulls the retina away from the eye wall. Retinal detachment often requires surgical intervention.

Question 8

retinal detachment symptoms?

Accepted Answer

They are: A new onset of floaters in the vision, flashes of light and/or the appearance of a curtain or veil in the peripheral vision.  Occasionally a retinal detachment will be accompanied by bleeding in the causing a profound loss of vision.

Question 9

how is retinal detachment treated?

Accepted Answer

Variety of ways: Depending upon the location and extent of the break the following techniques may be employed: laser, gas injection, encircling retinal buckle, vitrectomy, cryo freezing of the tear.  Your retinal surgeon will determine the best method.

Question 10

what happens if retinal detachment?

Accepted Answer

Black curtain.: If the retina detaches from the back of the eye, you will see a black curtain or veil in the area that the retina is detached.  If left untreated the curtain will not go away and could progress ultimately leading to complete blindness of the eye.

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What not to do if i have retinal detachment

A member asked:

Im 16 and im not sure if i have retinal detachment, how do i tell?

A member asked:

What to do if i have retinal detachment, is surgery my only option, it's quite expensive?

A member asked:

If i have retinal detachment symptoms and am going to the doctor tomorrow, will conditions worsen by then?

A member asked:

Must i call my doctor or ambulance if i have retinal detachment?

A member asked:

If i got to the eye doctor how will they test me if i have retinal detachment ?

A member asked:

Can you tell me what to do if i don't have flashes but i'm scared anyway i will have retinal detachment?

A member asked:

What is retinal detachment?

A member asked:

Retinal detachment symptoms?

A member asked:

How is retinal detachment treated?

A member asked:

What happens if retinal detachment?

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