A retinal detachment is a condition in which the tissue lining the inside of your eye, known as the retina, is pulled away from the eye. The retina is a vital component of the eye, and functions to send messages to your brain on the images that you see. A retinal detachment is a serious condition that can result in blindness if left uncorrected. Even when treated properly, retinal detachments can reoccur, especially if you play contact sports.
Considerations
There are several key factors to consider when playing a sport after a retinal detachment. Dr. Michael Kutryb of the Kutryb Eye Institute in Titusville, Florida, notes that it all depends on the degree of severity, location and size of your retinal detachment. Patients with a small detachment that does not involve the macula, an area of central vision in the retina responsible for fine detail, have the best prognosis.
Recommendation
Talk to your doctor first before engaging in any type of sport or exercise to determine if it is safe for you. Avoid intense exercise for several weeks after your surgery. Since retinal detachments are associated with blunt trauma, your doctor may suggest that you wear protective goggles while engaging in contact sports or sports that involve objects flying through the air.
Prognosis
Fortunately, more than 90 percent of cases of retinal detachments are correctable, reports the National Eye Institute. While many individuals improve after only one surgery, others may require more than one surgery to correct the problem. Sometimes, even surgery can fail to ameliorate the condition, and vision is permanently lost. It can take several months after the surgery to determine what the final outcome will be regarding your vision. The Midland Eye Institute notes that it typically takes around two months to ascertain if the surgery was successful, and the retina may continue to heal for up to 12 months after the surgery.
Warning
Call your doctor immediately if you experience any of these signs or symptoms of a retinal detachment: a gradual or sudden proliferation of specks or floaters in your field of vision, flashes of light, loss of peripheral or central vision, blurred vision or loss of vision in the pattern of a curtain falling over your eye. Do not wait to seek medical attention. Delaying treatment can result in a larger tear of the retina, which not only increases your risk of permanent vision loss, but is also more difficult to repair. The faster you seek treatment, the greater the likelihood that your retina will be reattached successfully and your vision will be restored.
