Why retinal detachment is an emergency?

Why retinal detachment is an emergency?

If they are separated from the choroid by a retinal detachment, they may be irreversibly damaged. This is why retinal detachment is an ophthalmic emergency. As the eye ages, the vitreous becomes liquid, and eventually collapses. When this happens, it may pull on the retina, causing a retinal tear.

Can you travel with a detached retina?

Following retinal detachment surgery, it is important that flying is completely avoided until your eye has fully healed. This is usually for 3 to 4 weeks after surgery but possibly longer after some retinal detachment surgeries. Sometimes during surgery a gas bubble is used to help keep the retina in place.

Does retinal detachment require hospitalization?

If you have a retinal detachment, you may need surgery to reattach your retina to the back of your eye within a few days. After surgery, you may need to stay in the hospital for a short time — and it might take a few weeks before your vision starts getting better.

Can flying make detached retina worse?

Flying generally won’t make your flashes or floaters worse, but flashes and floaters can still be a serious sign of a potentially blinding retinal detachment or other related retina issues. See your trusted ophthalmologist right away if you have a sudden increase in flashes or floaters, preferably before your flight.

Can high altitude cause retinal detachment?

There is clear evidence that the retinal vas- culature is affected by hypoxia at high altitude; vessel engorgement and tortuosity, optic disc hyperemia and hemorrhages are often seen (known as high altitude retinopathy, or HAR) (Morris et al., 2006).

Does Flying increase risk of retinal detachment?

Retinal detachment can occur for any number of reasons, including advanced disease (diabetic retinopathy), trauma (a sudden blow to the head) or from aging (the most common cause). Following retinal detachment surgery, it is important that flying is completely avoided until your eye has fully healed.

Does flying affect a detached retina?

Importantly, you will be instructed not to fly in an airplane or travel to high altitudes until your ophthalmologist determines that the gas bubble is gone. Flying or traveling to high altitudes can cause pressure build-up within the eye and permanent loss of vision.