Retinal detachment
The retina is a fine sheet of nerve tissue lining the inside of the eye. Rays of light enter the eye and are focused onto the retina by the cornea and the lens.
The retina produces a picture which is sent along the optic nerve for the brain to interpret. The eye and the brain together produce the images that we see.
Retinal detachments most commonly develop in eyes with retinas weakened by a hole or tear. This allows fluid to seep underneath, weakening the attachment so that the retina becomes detached. When detached, the retina cannot compose a clear picture from the incoming rays of light and vision becomes blurred and dim.
Retinal detachment affects about 1 in 10,000 people, being more frequent in middle aged, short sighted people.
The most common symptom of retinal detachment is a shadow spreading gradually across the vision of one eye. Around half of patients experience bright flashes of light and/or showers of dark spots called floaters.
Retinal detatchment needs urgent treatment in order to preserve sight and so early recognition and prompt referral is essential. Diagnosis is based on examination of the eye. If the condition is diagnosed early then laser treatment or cryotherapy might be sufficient, otherwise surgery is necessary.
How we can help
If a medical practitioner has not taken due care diagnosing or treating retinal detachment and you have suffered injury as a result, you may be able to bring a claim in negligence.
Making a medical negligence claim
For free, expert advice on making a medical negligence claim click here or call us free on 0800 0382 382. We are available to take your call twenty four hours a day, seven days a week.
If you want to provide some details to us in advance, why not let us assess your claim now.
