Who is at Risk for Retinal Detachment? The risk of retinal detachment in the general population is low – about 15 per 100,000. It can occur at any age, but is more common in people over the age of 40. Men are affected more than women. Additionally, retinal detachment is also more likely to occur in people who: • Are extremely nearsighted (myopia) • Have had a retinal detachment in the fellow eye • Have a family history of retinal detachment • Have had prior eye surgery, such as cataract surgery • Have other eye diseases or disorders • Have had an eye injury Diagnosis and Treatment Any person with new onset floaters, flashing lights or altered vision should see an Ophthalmologist (eye doctor) for prompt review. The eyes will be dilated using medicated eye drops, and using a microscope, the Ophthalmologist will examine the eye in its entirety, inspecting the retina for tears or breaks and identifying the location of a potential detachment or an area that is already detached. If a tear is discovered before a detachment occurs, early treatment can prevent the retina from detaching. Some retinal tears do not need treatment, and if no tears are found, it is important to be examined again within two weeks to ensure a tear does not develop. Retinal tears are usually treated with laser and/or cryotherapy ‘freeze’ treatments. The laser and cryoprobe effectively ‘weld’ around the hole to ensure the retina remains attached and well sealed. Retinal detachments are treated with surgery that will be performed in a sterile operating theatre. Most detachments require surgery to reposition the retina against the back of the eye and its underlying layers. There are several methods in use today and the type of surgery used depends on the type and extent of the detachment. What’s my Prognosis Doc? Retinal tears and retinal detachment are serious eye conditions. If left untreated, they can lead to blindness. Floaters and flashes are signs that a person may be developing a retinal tear or a retinal detachment. Prompt Ophthalmology review should be sought and when diagnosed early, most retinal problems can be treated and vision saved, compared to the minimal, if any, chance of visual improvement without repair of a retinal detachment. pm *Reference: Jackson TL et al, UK National Ophthalmology Database Study of Vitreoretinal Surgery: Report 3, Retinal Detachment, 2013 General Health Any person with new onset floaters, flashing lights or altered vision should see an Ophthalmologist for prompt review. About Us The Gold Coast Heart Centre now has 8 specialist cardiologists available for consultation across all 3 locations. We provide a diverse range of services in comprehensive cardiac health care with extensive diagnostic cardiac testing and specialist imaging. Diagnostic Cardiac Testing Stress Echocardiography Transthoracic Echocardiography Transosophageal Echocardiography Blood Pressure Monitoring Exercise Stress Testing Holter Monitoring Event Loop Recording TILT Table Testing ECG Reports Cardiologist Consultations Dr Mathew Williams General Cardiologist Dr Kang-Teng Lim General and Electrophysiology Cardiologist Dr John Bou-Samra General, Pacing and Heart Failure Cardiologist Dr Vijay Kapadia Interventional and Pacing Cardiologist Dr Michael Greenwood Interventional Cardiologist Dr Tony Lai Interventional Cardiologist Professor Jonathan Chan - Multi-Modality Cardiac Imaging and General Cardiologist Welcoming Interventional Cardiologist Dr Ashok Gangasandra for consultation at our John Flynn rooms in 2014 Rooms PINDARA SPECIALIST SUITES Suite 2.09, Level 2 Carrara St, Benowa 4217 JOHN FLYNN PRIVATE HOSPITAL Suite 6A, John Flynn Medical Centre Inland Drive, Tugun 4224 ALLAMANDA Spendelove Street Southport 4215 PRIVATE HOSPITAL Phone: 5531 1833 www.gchc.com.au 21 Pindara Magazine 26 Autumn - Winter | 2014
Pindara Private Hospital Magazine - Issue Two
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