Mediacorp actor Elvin Ng was recently diagnosed with retinal detachment, a serious eye condition linked to severe myopia. Ng described noticing a "dark circular shadow" that rapidly expanded, prompting emergency surgery. Experts explain that severe myopia, defined as over -6.00 diopters, stretches the eyeball, creating potential tears in the retina. When the eye's gel-like vitreous humour seeps behind these tears, it can detach the retina from the back of the eye.
Other types of retinal detachment include tractional detachment, often seen in diabetics, and exudative detachment, which occurs without tears. While the incidence in Singapore is about 10 cases per 100,000 people annually, individuals with high myopia face a five to six times greater risk. Age is also a factor, with the highest risk between 40 and 70.
Warning signs include a sudden onset of floaters, cloud-like dust, or shadows moving across vision, as well as flashes of light or sudden blurry or distorted vision. Experts emphasize that retinal detachment is an emergency requiring treatment within 24 to 72 hours to prevent permanent blindness, especially if the macula is affected. Surgical options include pneumatic retinopexy with gas bubbles, scleral buckling, and vitrectomy. While recurrence is possible, prompt recognition of symptoms and regular eye checks are crucial for early detection and intervention.