The retina is the thin, transparent membrane that lines the inside of the eye. It is on the retina that images are formed in the eye. A detached retina simply means that the retina is separated from the inner lining of the eye. A retinal detachment is an emergency and must be treated surgically as soon as possible. The chances of vision recovery reduce with the duration of the detachment. The approaches we use to manage retinal detachment include: – Careful examination of the other eye to rule out lesions, such as retinal tears, which could result in a retinal detachment. In Cameroon, we have observed that up to 30% of persons presenting with a detached retina either have detachment in the other eye already, or have a lesion in the other eye that puts them at a very high risk of having a detached retina. Should we find a lesion during this exam, we can reduce the risk of retinal detachment by performing laser or cryotherapy preventive treatment.
– Pars plana vitrectomy surgery to reattach the retina or
– Scleral buckling surgery to reattach the retina.
