What Is Tractional Retinal Distachment?
The condition of tractional retinal detachment is characterised by the separation between the retina and its supporting layers. This occurs when fibrous scar tissue forms on the surface. These forces exert tractional force that pulls the retina away from its usual location.
The retina is the light-sensitive tissue at the back part of your eye. The retina converts light rays into electrical signals that are sent to the brain, allowing us to see images. The retina needs to be firmly attached to the other layers of your eye anatomy for optimal function, especially its retinal epithelium.
What is the symptom of tractional retinal detachment?
Symptoms of tractional retinal detachment vary depending on the person. However, they usually include changes in vision. Other signs and symptoms include:
* Floaters - Floaters can be small spots, or even cobwebs-like shapes. They move with your eyes when you do and are more noticeable in bright environments or against bright backgrounds.
Flashes Of Light: You may occasionally experience flashes in your peripheral vision. These are short bursts that brighten up either when you move your eyes or spontaneously. These flashes can occur anywhere at any time.
Reduced clarity of vision can be caused by tractional retinal detachment. You may experience blurry or foggy vision, which makes it difficult to focus clearly on objects. Straight lines can appear bent or wavy.
* The Shadow or Curtain effect: As the detachment process progresses, your vision may be affected by a curtain or shadow. It usually starts in the peripheral vision (side vision) and progresses to the center vision. This causes a loss of vision. Location and severity of vision loss can vary depending on the location where the detachment has occurred.
* Reduced peripheral vision: A tractional retinal detachment can cause tunnel vision where you find it difficult to see things at the edges of your field of view. You may have difficulty seeing objects or people on the edges of your field.
It is important to note that these symptoms can also be caused by other eye conditions. Seek immediate medical attention if sudden or dramatic vision changes occur. Early diagnosis and treatment will increase the chances of successful management.
What causes tractional retinal detachment (TRD)?
This type of retinal detachment is caused by abnormal tissue growth that exerts tractional force on the retina. It pulls it away from its normal resting place and out of its initial position. This type of retinal detachment is caused by:
* Proliferative diabetic retinalopathy: This form of diabetes is caused by elevated blood sugar levels damaging blood vessels in your retina. In response, weak vessels are formed, which are vulnerable to bleeding. Scar tissue is then produced, resulting in detachment.
* Retinal vein occlusion: Blockages in retinal veins that block blood flow can lead to abnormal blood vessel formation. These vessels can cause scar tissue to form and pull the retina away.
* Retinal Holes or Tears: These can be caused by trauma, ageing or other factors. These defects may be surrounded by scar tissue that exerts tension and pulls the retina away from its attachment points.
* Proliferative Vitreoretinopathy: Proliferative Vitreoretinopathy occurs when scar tissue rapidly expands on the retina or other structures in the eye. This can be caused by trauma, inflammation, or other eye conditions. Untreated, this scarring may contract and cause tractional detachments.
Macular holes can be caused by tractional forces from vitreous or abnormal tissue growth. They are then formed in the central part of the retina, known as the macula. These defects may be caused by tractional forces resulting from abnormal tissue growth or vitreous detachment.
It is important to note that the causes can overlap, and that each individual may be affected by multiple factors. Other eye diseases and conditions, such as advanced retinopathy, proliferative sickle cell retinopathy, or certain genetic disorders, can also cause tractional detachment.
Vedicmed, an ophthalmologist and retina specialist, can help protect your vision and prevent further loss of vision by providing prompt diagnosis and treatment. The treatment often involves surgical intervention, including removal of scar tissue, retinal defects repair, and reattachment of the retina.
