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Retinal Detachment

Normal Retina

Detached Retina

The retina is the place in the back of the eye where light rays are focused and transmitted to the brain. It consists of layers of nerve fibers. If these layers separate, or detach, significant and swift vision loss can occur. Retinal detachment therefore requires immediate medical treatment. The exact procedure used varies depending on the patient's condition and the type of detachment suffered.

The most common form of retinal detachment occurs when fluid seeps through leaks in the retina’s sensory layer. This is often caused by injury, eye surgery, or nearsightedness. More rarely, disease-related swelling or bleeding causes fluid to seep beneath all layers and push the entire retina away from the eye wall. Retinal detachment may also result from friction against vitreous or scar tissue, which occurs most frequently in patients with diabetes.

Signs of retinal detachment include light flashes and floaters, wavy or watery vision, the appearance of a veil or curtain obstructing vision, or a sudden drop in vision quality. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately. Early treatment is essential to maintain and restore vision quality.

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Retinal Tears

The vitreous is a clear liquid that fills our eyes and gives them shape. When we are young, the vitreous has a thick, gelatinous consistency and is firmly attached to the retina. As we age, the vitreous thins and separates from the retina. Although this usually results in nothing more than a few harmless floaters, tension from the detached vitreous can cause the retina to tear.

Retinal tears commonly lead to retinal detachment if liquid seeps through the tear and collects behind the retina or between its nerve layers. Retinal detachment can cause significant permanent vision loss and requires immediate medical treatment.

Signs of retinal tear include flashes of light, a group or web of floaters, wavy or watery vision, a sense that there is a veil or curtain obstructing vision, or a sudden drop in vision quality. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately. Early treatment is essential to preserve your vision.

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