RETINAL EVALUATION
FAQs

At Benjamin Eye Institute, we wish for our patients to learn as much as possible when it comes to conditions and treatments we offer, such as cataracts and cataract surgery. Below is a list of our most frequently asked questions.

If you have a question not found on this page, or if you would like to schedule a free consultation at Benjamin Eye Institute, please call us today at 310.275.5533.

RETINAL EVALUATION Frequently Asked Questions

What is a retinal detachment (torn retina)?

Retinal detachment is a serious condition that can lead to severe visual impairment or even total blindness in the affected eye. If any part of the retina is lifted or pulled from its normal position, it is considered detached, and will cause some vision loss. The detachment will almost always progress, and vision loss will increase until it is treated. Therefore, retinal detachment is always considered an emergency.

What causes retinal detachment?

Retinal detachment is caused by a combination of factors including retinal holes, retinal breaks, or retinal tears, and liquefaction of the vitreous humor. Any tiny tears or holes in the retina can allow vitreous fluid to seep under the retina, separating it from the back wall of the eye (like wallpaper). Retinal tears may also result from a hard blow or injury to the eye, though this is rather rare.

If one eye develops retinal detachment will the other develop it as well?

Detachment is more likely to occur if the other eye has the condition (such as lattice degeneration) associated with retinal detachment in the first eye. If only one eye suffers a serious injury or requires eye surgery then, of course, the chance of detachment in the other eye is not increased by the event.

How does an eye doctor diagnose retinal detachment?

Because retinal tears and detachments are not visible from the outside of the eye, only a comprehensive eye exam can detect them. Your eye doctor will use a light magnification instrument to view the inside of your eye. Your eye doctor may also use certain types of magnification lenses, a slit lamp or ultrasound to diagnose retinal tears or detachments.

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Doe G.
Los Angeles, CA

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6 reviews

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1/18/2019

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Wow! I just had surgery by Dr. Benjamin yesterday. Today I have 20-20, in that eye. Painless & perfect. I had no Idea, what I had been missing.
Wonderful eye institute. Delightful & very efficient & up to date staff. Especially Myka. Treat yourself to good eye sight by the charming Dr. Benjamin. You will be in good hands.
Doe
Matt P.
West Hollywood, CA

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31 reviews

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12/6/2019

I have had dry eyes for a quite sometime and had seen several physicians and got eye drops etc but not until I have seen Dr. Benjamin I found how serious problem that it was. I had the most thorough and individual attention by Dr. Benjamin. He explained to me my problem and treatment options available. Dr. Benjamin and His staff are very caring and they spend as much time with you as needed and one feels taken care of. I was given state of the art treatment for my dry eyes and my eyes went from feeling tired , red , scratchy and itchy to brilliantly glowing clear. Office is very serene and staff is attentive, pleasant and smiling. Dr. Benjamin is very down to earth and explains thoroughly that one understands what alis them. I will definitely keep coming back for all my eye issues.
Renee T.
Los Angeles, CA

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44 reviews

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4/25/2019

I wish I had come to Dr. Benjamin years ago!!!

I have been hopping around between 3 eye doctors in the last few years complaining of severe eye pain, redness - so bad I haven't been able to wear contacts for a year. Every other doctor made a diagnosis in 2 minutes, prescribed a few things and sent me on my way. Nothing helped and the doctors kept saying my eyes looked fine despite my symptoms. Finally I saw Dr. Benjamin, and he listened to my concerns from top to bottom and did tests the other doctors never did! He made a brand new diagnosis which finally makes sense and fits my symptoms. He spent almost an hour with me which is unbelievable. I am so impressed with this place, even the front desk and other staff were so friendly. I'm so relieved and am looking forward to making a recovery with Dr. Benjamin and eventually getting LASIK.