What is the retina?

As in a camera, the retina resembles the camera chip. The retina processes the image perceived by the eye and transmits it to the brain via the optic nerves. If the retina is spread out smoothly on its base, the pigment epithelium, the image is not perceived as distorted. The image is reversed onto the retina through the pupil.

If the retina becomes detached, it can lead to blindness and shrinkage of the eye without ophthalmologic treatment. As an early sign, the person concerned can perceive lightning bolts in one eye. Often these are signs of an incipient posterior vitreous detachment. Most of the time, the vitreous becomes detached from the retina with increasing age.

flash

If the retina is strongly adhered to the vitreous humor, it can flash in front of the eye for several days / weeks

Soot rain

If a blood vessel in the retina tears, the person affected perceives a "swarm of mosquitoes" or "soot rain" in front of their eyes

Shadow perception

Only when the retina becomes detached will a shadow appear in front of the eye. This will increase over time. The patient affected by these symptoms should immediately consult the ophthalmologist, who will continue to apply drops.

The eyesight is greatly reduced for this day and active participation in road traffic is prohibited. A medication list should be compiled and, as a precaution, a bag should be
packed for a five-day hospital stay. It is best to stay sober. This can shorten the time until an operation that may be required

Treatment

Posterior vitreous detachment (flashes)
There is no detachment of the retina. The ophthalmologist will regularly examine the fundus of your eye to identify retinal holes early on.

Vitreous hemorrhage (soot rain)
If the retina cannot be seen, the eye is examined with ultrasound. If a retinal hole is found, an operation is carried out using laser, cold therapy, humpback surgery or vitreoretinal surgery.

Retinal
hole Since a retinal hole can lead to a detachment of the retina, it is surrounded with laser foci. The procedure is usually carried out on an outpatient basis. A further intervention is rarely necessary. The laser scars are stable after about two to three weeks. Sport should be avoided for this time.

Retinal detachment
If left untreated, retinal detachment often leads to blindness. The retina can be reattached using two methods and the eye can retain residual vision:

  1. Denting process: seal or cerclage. The outside of the eyeball is dented in such a way that all retinal holes are closed.
  2. Vitreous surgery: When vitrectomy is as much from the vitreous humor, to take the Glaskörperzug of the retina. Then the glass body is replaced by liquid, gas or oil. Often the eyeball is measured before the operation and the (cloudy) lens may be replaced by a clear artificial lens.