Having a detached retina involves surgical repair to the eye and abstinence from boxing. The most famous case is that of Sugar Ray Leonard who decided to continue boxing despite having eye surgery and risking blindness.
In 2006, Lamon Brewster suffered a detached retina in his left eye during the first round of his epic slug-fest with Sergei Liakhovich.
"I went blind in my left eye for the duration of the fight," Brewster said. "I couldn't see anything on my left side. Everything was just like a yellow blur. It looked like a painting."
More recently, it was rumored Antonio Margarito was contemplating retirement due to an apparent detached retina suffered in his November 2010 bout with Manny Pacquiao. (Margarito's presumed diagnosis was not confirmed and corrective surgery to repair damage done to Margarito's eye was successful).
Detached Retinas
Retinal detachment is a disorder of the eye in which the retina peels away from its underlying layer of support tissue. Initial detachment may be localized, but without rapid treatment the entire retina may detach leading to vision loss and blindness.
It is a medical emergency.
The retina is a thin layer of light sensitive tissue on the back wall of the eye. The optical system of the eye focuses light on the retina much like light is focused on the film in a camera. The retina translates that focused image into neural impulses and sends them to the brain via the optic nerve. Occasionally, posterior vitreous detachment, or injury or trauma to the eye or head may cause a small tear in the retina. The tear allows vitreous fluid to seep through it under the retina and peel it away like a bubble in wallpaper.
A detached retina is a very serious problem that almost always causes blindness unless it is treated.
Symptoms of Retinal Tears and Detachments
Retinal tears and detachments generally offer the following painless symptoms:
New Floaters
The presence of some floaters is common but a sudden increase in the number and size of floaters perceived in your vision is a warning sign that a retinal tear could be in progress.
Flashes
The sudden appearance of flashes in vision may indicate that the vitreous material is pulling away from or tugging on the retina, which could be the first stage of a retinal tear or detachment.
Shadow or curtain over vision
The onset of a growing, dark shadow or the appearance of a curtain being pulled over a portion of the vision in one eye is an indication of a retinal detachment. These symptoms usually occur in the peripheral (side) vision. The growing shadow results from the increasing area of retinal tissue being pulled away from the back wall of the eye and no longer able to react to light.
Decreased vision
Another common symptom of a retinal tear or detachment is a sudden decrease in vision.
Many people experience flashes or floaters and these are not necessarily a cause for alarm. However if they are severe and seem to be getting worse, and/or you are losing vision then you should see an ophthalmologist immediately. An eye examination with dilated pupils will allow the determination of the source of your symptoms, as well as a recommendation for the appropriate treatment. Prompt treatment can often minimize the damage to your eye.
When To Call a Professional
Many people experience flashes or floaters and these are not necessarily a cause for alarm. However, if they are severe and seem to be getting worse, and/or you are losing vision then you should see an ophthalmologist immediately. An eye examination with dilated pupils will allow the determination of the source of your symptoms, as well as assist eye specialists in recommending the appropriate treatment. Prompt treatment can often minimize the damage to your eye.
Call your doctor immediately if you have symptoms of a detached retina, especially if you have a history of cataract surgery, severe nearsightedness, eye trauma, diabetes, or previous treatment for a detached retina.
Prognosis for Boxers and Non-Pugilists
With proper treatment, the prognosis is excellent. More than 90% of detached retinas can be reattached successfully. In some cases, more than one treatment is necessary. Vision is most likely to return to near normal if the problem is treated less than seven days after the detachment begins. Some blurring of vision may remain in people who have detachments that involve the macula (central vision).
Based on the location and extent of his/her injury, a modern-day boxer can usually make a successful return to the ring if their detached retina is treated promptly and corrective surgery is successful - Nevertheless, a healthy return is still no guarantee.
For fighters, even with a full recovery, a second detached retina in the same eye may be more likely, and the fighter is also at a higher risk of future eye problems such as cataracts.
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This is not the opinion of a medical professional or someone even close. Always consult a physician if you have had or think you have a detached retina or any other eye injury.