RETINAL DETACHMENT: A SILENT THREAT TO THOSE OVER 40 AND WITH MYOPIA

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 10 (Bernama) -- Individuals aged 40 and above, particularly those with high myopia (nearsightedness), a history of eye injury, or who have undergone eye surgery, are at a higher risk of developing retinal detachment.

Consultant Ophthalmologist and Vitreoretinal Surgeon at Sunway Medical Centre (SMC) Sunway City, Dr Peh Khaik Kee, said retinal detachment occurs when the retina, a thin layer of tissue located at the back of the eye, peels away from its normal position.

“It is not a painful condition, but if left untreated, it can lead to permanent blindness,” he said in a statement today.

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He said among the early warning signs to watch for are the appearance of floaters and flashes of light, often described as specks, cobwebs, or even ‘mosquito-like’ shapes drifting across one’s field of vision.

“A sudden increase in floaters or flashes, especially at the edges of vision, should be treated as a cause for immediate concern. Another warning sign is the appearance of shadows or a curtain-like effect creeping across one’s vision, which may indicate that the retina has started to detach,” he added.

Dr Peh said that even if part of the retina becomes detached, a patient can retain near-normal vision as long as the macula - the crucial part of the retina responsible for central vision - remains intact.

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“But once the macula detaches, the chances of restoring full vision decrease significantly,” he said.

Meanwhile, Dr Selva Raja Vengadasalam, also a consultant ophthalmologist and vitreoretinal surgeon at SMC, said retinal detachment is more common than generally perceived, occurring in approximately seven to 14 cases per 100,000 people, and Malaysia is no exception.

“It is not caused by lifestyle or dietary factors, but rather by the structural factors,” he said.

He added that retinal detachment tends to occur more frequently in men, and based on his clinical experience, there appears to be a higher number of cases among the Chinese community, possibly due to the greater prevalence of myopia (nearsightedness) within the group.

He said that only five to 10 per cent of cases showing symptoms such as floaters and flashes of light involve retinal tears. Therefore, a dilated eye examination by a retina specialist is crucial to determine whether immediate treatment is required.

According to him, if a retinal tear is detected early, a simple laser procedure known as photocoagulation can be performed. However, if the retina has already detached, microsurgical procedures such as vitrectomy or scleral buckling are necessary to restore vision.

“Modern vitrectomy uses instruments as small as 0.5 millimetres, and the procedure is similar to keyhole surgery, involving smaller incisions and allowing for faster recovery,” he said.

“In some cases, a gas bubble is placed in the eye to help press the retina back into place. During the healing process, patients may be required to lie face down for long periods each day over one to two weeks,” he added.

Elaborating further, Dr Peh said the success rate for retinal reattachment surgery is generally high, ranging from 80 to 97 per cent, depending on how early the procedure is performed.

“If the macula remains attached, patients can regain full visual function. However, if the macula has detached, about 70 per cent of patients are still able to recover sufficient vision for daily tasks, including driving,” he said.

Dr Peh added that most patients are likely to develop cataracts within six to 24 months after retinal surgery, but the condition can be easily treated through standard cataract surgery.

“There are no pills or supplements that can prevent retinal detachment, but early detection can maske all the difference. Screening is Seeing! The earlier we detect and treat a retinal tear or detachment, the better your chances of preserving clear, functional vision,” he said.

The Sunway Eye Centre at SMC offers comprehensive eye care services, ranging from routine check-ups to advanced retinal surgery and long-term follow-up care.

As Malaysia’s largest private hospital, SMC is also the first to earn all three major healthcare accreditations, Joint Commission International (JCI), the Australian Council on Healthcare Standards (ACHS) International, and the Malaysian Society for Quality in Health (MSQH).

In addition, SMC has also been ranked as one of Asia’s Top Private Hospitals for Eye Care by Newsweek, reaffirming its status as a trusted destination for world-class ophthalmology services.

-- BERNAMA