When 53-year-old Javea resident, Alisa, started to lose sight in her right eye this July she was worried what it meant, and that the vision loss could be permanent. Her GP recommended visiting Specsavers Ópticas in Javea for a comprehensive eye test, to discover the cause of the issue and look for a solution.
Optometrist Martín Barrera Accietto examined her eyes and at first look everything seemed OK. Her visual acuity was excellent when wearing her glasses, her eye movements were natural, the eye pressure was fine and she had no visible signs of an issue. Despite this, her vision had changed and she reported that there was an area in her vision that was permanently darker.
During a test with the AMSLER chart, Martin discovered that on the right eye there was an area that almost disappeared, confirming the lack of vision in one area of the eye. Martin continued with his testing process and the reason for these symptoms became clear.
By using a slit lamp and a VOLK lens to examine the back of the eye and taking a photo of the back of the eye using a digital retinal camera, he could see there was a detachment of the peripheral retina, which explained the symptoms. The client could not think of why or when this may have happened, but it was clear that her condition needed urgent review and treatment. Martin wrote a referral letter for the hospital and included the picture of the back of her right eye showing the retinal detachment.
Within just one week of the eye test and referral, the client had surgery to reattach the retina. The operation was successful and the client, the doctors and ophthalmologists in the hospital were very happy with the outcome. Her vision was restored and the only thing that had changed was her prescription.
She returned to the store to thank the team for their expertise, kindness, thorough eye examination and quick and efficient referral. The team at Specsavers Ópticas were delighted with the outcome and to see her with her vision restored.
Optometrist Martín Barrera Accietto explains, “It is greatly satisfying to help someone not lose their sight. These kinds of issues, if not treated quickly, can lead to permanent damage, and it is impossible to find them without the use of special equipment. This is a great illustration of the importance of having regular, comprehensive eye tests, including health checks to make sure eyes are healthy.”
What is retinal detachment?
The retina is the light-sensitive layer of tissue that lines the back of the eye. It’s responsible for receiving light and translating it into electrical signals to send to the brain, where it creates the images we see. Sometimes the retina can detach or lift from its position, becoming separated from its blood supply that provides it with essential nutrients and oxygen – this is known as retinal detachment.
Symptoms of a retinal detachment include; flashes of light in the eye, a sudden increase in the number of floaters in one eye, giving the appearance of a cobweb across your vision. Many patients report feeling like a curtain is coming across their vision when the retina is detaching.
Without early treatment, retinal detachment could lead to permanent vision loss in the affected eye. So, if you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important that you see an eyecare professional as soon as possible.
Specsavers Ópticas in Javea is located at Avenida Del Pla 125, Edificio Caribe, Local 6, Jávea, 03738. Visit www.specsavers.es to request an appointment.
