Complications
Complications of retinal detachment are as follows:
- Permanent loss of vision: If there is delay in treatment or involvement of the macula (central area of retina with maximum visual acquity) vision may not recover completely and visual prognosis is poor.
- Epiretinal membrane: A thin layer of fibrous tissue grows over the retina if it is detached for a long time due to chronic low grade inflammation. This membrane later contracts causing retinal folds leading to distortion in vision.
- Vitreous hemorrhage: Blood in the clear vitreous gel can be associated with retinal detachment causing further loss in vision and a change in the modality of treatment.
- Secondary glaucoma: Long standing retinal detachment can lead to rise in the intraocular pressure causing secondary glaucoma leading to optic atrophy if not treated timely.
