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Retinal Detachment

What is retinal detachment?

Retinal detachment diagram

Retinal detachment describes an emergency situation in which a thin layer of tissue (the retina) at the back of the eye pulls away from its normal position. A retinal detachment, itself, is painless. But warning signs almost always appear before it occurs or has advanced, such as:

  • The sudden appearance of many floaters — tiny specks that seem to drift through your field of vision
  • Flashes of light in one or both eyes
  • Blurred vision
  • Gradually reduced side (peripheral) vision
  • A curtain-like shadow over your visual field

When this happens he/she should be seen by an ophthalmologist to ensure that no retinal tear or detachment has developed. If a tear develops, fluid from inside the eyeball can leak through the tear under the retina. This fluid displaces the retina. This displacement is called a retinal detachment.

Is treatment available?

If a retinal detachment is present, we offer our patients four treatment options:

  • Laser retinopexy surgery
  • Scleral buckle surgery
  • Vitrectomy surgery
  • Pneumatic retinopexy surgery

Our physicians and staff are always available to give you, the patient, as much information as possible to help you decide which treatment (if any) you desire.

Retinal Detachment Doctors

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Our Locations

Hinsdale Office

710 North York Road
Hinsdale, IL 60521

Gurnee Office

3477 Grand Avenue
Gurnee, IL 60031

River Forest Office

7427 Lake Street
River Forest, IL 60305