Frauds, Fakes, Or Fabulous
Nov 13, 2008 5:59 pm US/Eastern
Retinal Detachment: Devastating Damage To Vision
Most Retinal Detachments Are Caused By The Presence Of One Or More Small Tears Or Holes In The Retina
FORT LAUDERDALE (CBS4) ―
There are a number of reasons for blurred vision, but few may have heard of an eye disorder that causes blurred and veiled vision called retinal detachment; an affliction that affects 1 in 100 people.
Joy Satterlee of Hollywood began to notice a change in her vision while on a cruise out of the country.
"I knew something was askew, had no idea what it was," said Satterlee, "I thought I was tired after a long flight. I thought it was the medication for motion sickness. I had had cataract surgery in that eye 6 months before."
It turned out she had suffered a retinal detachment.
A retinal detachment is when the thin layer of tissue that lines the interior of the eye called the retina falls out of position. Retinal surgeon Dr. W. Scott Thompson says while it's tough to pinpoint a cause detachments typically occur in patients who are extremely nearsighted, have had cataract surgery or an eye injury.
"The most important symptom we look for is sudden new floaters. Floaters can take the form of little black dots or webs. We all have those from time to time," said Thompson.
Other symptoms of retinal detachment include flashes of light, blurring of vision a feeling as if someone is trying to draw a curtain over your eye.
Simple tears can be repaired with a laser. More serious detachments require surgery the severity depends on how quickly a patient receives treatment.
"Unfortunately if the retina detaches the cells of the retina, which are nerve tissue, begin to deteriorate and they can be repaired to a degree but once a detachment has occurred the eye's never quite the same again," admitted Thompson.
If left untreated patients can go blind. Patients should go to the eye doctor immediately once they notice a change in their vision.
Satterlee suffered some vision loss, however following surgery she is seeing better and her eyesight may improve over time.
To reach Dr. Thompson with the
Retina Group of South Florida call (954) 776-6880.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
Real Or Fake?
Click to enlarge
Stumble It!
Reporting
