Most people in the modern world cannot imagine their life without the visible perception of others. This is possible thanks to the functioning organs of vision - the eyes. The group of ophthalmic diseases is very diverse. They develop as a result of the inevitable aging of the body, as well as under the influence of endogenous and exogenous factors. Among such pathologies that affect the quality of vision is retinal tear. Is this serious?
Let's talk about anatomy
The retina is the thinnest sensitive tissue that performs the function of light perception. It is made up of rods and cones. Their main function is to continuously convert the energy of light pulses and their transformation into the brain, as a result of which a person perceives objects of the surrounding reality.
The anterior region of the retina ends with a jagged line. She, in turn, fits snugly to the ciliary body. On the other hand, the retina is in contact with the vitreous body. Note that throughout its length it is looseconnects to many tissues. However, the strongest adhesion is recorded in the zone of the macula, along the frame of the dentate line and around the optic nerve.
The thickness of the retina varies in each area. For example, in the zone of the dentate line, it is approximately 0.14 mm, next to the corpus luteum - 0.07 mm. Given the anatomical features described above, the logical conclusion is that retinal tears can occur anywhere.
Classification
The classification of this pathology is closely related to the causes of its occurrence. In modern medicine, it is customary to distinguish four types of retinal break.
- Perforated. It is formed in places of the greatest thinning of the tissue in the area of the so-called peripheral vision. Lack of timely treatment can lead to detachment.
- Valved. The main cause of the pathology is the fusion of the retina directly with the vitreous body. The development mechanism of this process is as follows. The fluid gradually flows out of the vitreous body and enters under the retina. It exerts pressure on the membrane, causing the latter to detach from the retina. Numerous tears appear in the area of the former fusion.
- Retina separation along the dentate line. Pathology develops as a result of a violation of the full interaction of the retina with the ciliary body.
- Macular. Pathology is usually formed in the zone of central vision. If the patient is not treated in a timely manner, the likelihood of loss of vision increases.
Macular retinal break
Age-related changes observed in the vitreous body, its gradual separation from the retina are the main causes of the macular hole. Otherwise, this kind of gap is called idiopathic, or spontaneous.
In 10% of cases, this pathology is formed as a result of a previous eye injury. It appears as a result of a shock wave breaking through directly through the eyeball, which inevitably leads to detachment of the central region.
In addition, the development of this pathology is often due to surgical treatment of rhegmatogenous variant of retinal detachment. This complication occurs in 1% of patients. Experts explain its appearance by a violation of hydraulic pressure, the development of epiretinal fibrosis.
Macular hole is diagnosed predominantly in women aged 55 to approximately 65 years. In 12% of cases, the pathology is bilateral.
Why can a retinal tear occur?
The causes of this pathology are supplemented by factors that aggravate the overall clinical picture and lead to the development of retinal detachment. These include:
- excessive exercise;
- trauma and mechanical damage to the eyes;
- prolonged exposure to stress;
- high blood pressure;
- old age;
- sharp bends and jumps;
- riseweights.
Rupture of the retina often occurs as a result of impaired blood circulation and age-related aging of the eyeball. The risk group includes pregnant women, people with a hereditary predisposition to dystrophic changes in the organs of vision, as well as those suffering from moderate / severe myopia.
What symptoms should alert?
The smallest breaks in the retina for a long time may not show pronounced signs. They do not differ in characteristic symptoms, so patients rarely come to an appointment with an ophthalmologist. Pay attention to the following symptoms.
- The appearance of flashes, sparks before the eyes. This is especially noticeable in a dark room.
- "Flies" before the eyes. Such a sign indicates the beginning of detachment or the involvement of the smallest blood vessels in the pathological process.
- Vision impairment or distortion of visible objects occurs when the gap extends to the central zone of the eye.
- The appearance of a characteristic cloudy veil from one end. Such a symptom indicates the beginning of the pathological process and requires the immediate help of an ophthalmologist.
Some patients report that after resting for a certain amount of time, all symptoms disappear. Experts explain this by the fact that a long stay of a person in one, horizontal, position contributes to the "straightening" of the retina. This state in medical practice is called imaginary well-being. After a while, all symptoms return again.
Diagnostic measures
The above symptoms of pathology are clearly manifested relatively rarely. Only an ophthalmologist can identify retinal breaks, fix their localization, determine the number and size. For a successful diagnosis, a specialist needs to carry out the following manipulations:
- slit lamp examination;
- detailed study of the fundus structure;
- Ultrasound of the eyes.
According to the results of a complete examination of the patient, the doctor can confirm the diagnosis and prescribe competent treatment.
Principles of Therapy
With such a pathology as retinal rupture, treatment is possible exclusively by surgery. After the doctor confirms the diagnosis, therapy should be started immediately. Postponing a visit to the doctor or attempting self-treatment can result in total blindness.
Currently, specialists offer several options for the operation.
- Laser coagulation. This method of surgical intervention is most often resorted to, because it allows you to completely eliminate the retinal tear. The operation is performed using local anesthesia and special coagulant lasers. They act on certain areas, which entails a local increase in temperature. As a result, multiple microburns are formed, which achieves fusion of the retina directly with the choroid. Whole operationlasts no more than 30 minutes and does not require a recovery period in a hospital.
- Pneumatic retinopexy. The essence of this procedure is as follows: immediately after anesthesia, the doctor injects a small gas bubble into the vitreous cavity. Its main function is to hold the retina inextricably with the choroid. After about 14 days, it is permanently fixed by cryopexy or laser photocoagulation.
- Vitrectomy is a very complicated operation. Her help is usually resorted to when there is a macular hole in the retina. Treatment in this case involves replacing the vitreous first with a special silicone oil, and then with a saline solution.
Sometimes, to achieve a lasting positive effect, several operations are required in a row. Such patients usually become frequent visitors to the ophthalmologist's office, as they are more likely to experience repeated ruptures.
Recovery after surgery
After surgery, the doctor puts a special bandage on the eye, which can be removed only the next day. If during the manipulation the patient feels that an air tamponade has entered the eye, do not be afraid of a sharp decrease in vision. During the course of the operation, it will be gradually removed with the help of a liquid specially designed for washing the eyes. Usually the doctor reports all complications.
Depending on what approach the specialist used toeliminate the retinal tear, after the operation, stay in a hospital does not exceed three days. The doctor must necessarily tell which ointments to apply to the affected area, how to properly care for it. If complications occur after discharge (nausea, severe pain in the eye, blurred vision), you should immediately seek help from an ophthalmologist.
Consequences of pathology
Retinal tears can lead to a number of serious complications, the most common of which is its detachment. In this case, laser coagulation is ineffective. Specialists have to resort to vitrectomy or scleral filling surgery with a silicone sponge.
After surgery, such patients are advised to be under constant supervision of an ophthalmologist to minimize the likelihood of relapse. It is advisable to avoid intense sports and heavy loads.
Prevention measures
To prevent retinal rupture, the consequences in the form of its detachment, it is important to follow elementary preventive measures. First of all, it is recommended to monitor your he alth and regularly visit an ophthalmologist. It is necessary to adhere to the correct mode of work and rest, not to spend most of your free time at the computer monitor.
People with high blood pressure or diabetes should monitor their blood pressure and blood glucose levels. If you experience symptoms that indicatethis pathology, it is important to seek help from a doctor without delay, because the bill can go literally for hours.
Conclusion
In this article, we talked about what constitutes a retinal tear. Is it serious? This is the question asked by patients to whom the doctor has made a similar diagnosis. Of course, any he alth problem in the absence of competent treatment is a danger. Retinal tear is no exception. That is why it is so important when primary signs of pathology appear to seek qualified help, not to postpone a visit to a specialist.
We hope that the information presented in this article will be really useful for you. Stay he althy!
