This eye disease can cause blindness if not taken seriously! Experts: The sooner the treatment, the better

This is the 3094th article of Da Yi Xiao Hu

Recently, artist William Leon updated his social media account, saying that his daughter kicked his eye while doing a tumble in the garden at home. Two days after the discomfort, he was diagnosed with retinal detachment and underwent emergency surgery. Why would a healthy retina detach due to trauma?

Why does retinal detachment occur?

The retina is a translucent membrane attached to the bottom of the eyeball, full of nerve cells, which has the function of sensing light stimulation. When the retina moves from its normal position to another position, that is, when the retina layer and the pigment epithelium layer separate, it is called retinal detachment. If not treated in time, it will cause decreased visual ability or even blindness.

The thickness of the retina is not uniform. For myopic people, especially those with high myopia, the retina becomes thinner as the eye axis lengthens, just like a plastic bag that has been used for a long time. Such a retina is prone to holes and retinal detachment. Trauma is also one of the main causes of retinal detachment. Trauma or strenuous exercise can easily cause the retina to suddenly rupture and detach.

What should I do if retinal detachment occurs?

William Li waited two days to see a doctor after feeling discomfort in his eyes. Liu Fang, chief ophthalmologist and professor at the Tenth People's Hospital affiliated to Tongji University, said that any sudden loss of vision should be taken seriously and timely medical treatment is required. The earlier the treatment of retinal detachment, the better the retinal repair effect. Liu Fang said that current ophthalmic medical technology is very good, and timely surgery will have a better prognosis.

The center of the retina is called the "macula". If retinal detachment does not affect the macula and is treated in time, it will only affect the peripheral vision. However, if the macula is damaged, it will cause obvious vision loss or even irreversible damage, and the visual function will be seriously affected.

In addition, if you see floating objects in front of your eyes, decreased vision, or dark shadows, you should be alert and seek medical attention immediately.

How to prevent retinal detachment?

There have been many news reports that "sneezing can cause retinal detachment". Liu Fang believes that the retinal state of these patients may already be unhealthy, and there may already be retinal holes, which can easily cause retinal detachment under external influences. Therefore, for people with high myopia (eye degree over 600 degrees), those with a family history of retinal detachment, and those with underlying diseases such as diabetes, retinal examinations should be done every year to detect and prevent early. At the same time, basic diseases should be controlled to prevent effects on the eyes.

Interviewed expert: Liu Fang, chief physician of the Department of Ophthalmology, the Tenth People's Hospital Affiliated to Tongji University, doctoral supervisor, and invited expert of the Medical Communication Think Tank of Dayi Xiaohu

Source: People's Daily Online - Science Popularization China

Text: Liu Ziruo and Hu Xinyi

Editors: Liu Ziruo, Yang Hongguang

News Perspective Magazine