The retina is the light-sensitive layer of tissue that lines
the inside of the eye and sends visual messages through the
optic nerve to the brain. When the retina detaches, it is
lifted or pulled from its normal position. If not promptly
treated, retinal detachment can cause permanent vision loss.
In some cases there may be small areas of the retina that
are torn. These areas, called retinal tears or retinal
breaks, can lead to retinal detachment.
Causes
A retinal detachment can occur at any age, but it is more
common in people over age 40. It affects men more than
women, and Whites more than African Americans. A retinal
detachment is also more likely to occur in people who:
Are extremely nearsighted
Have had a retinal detachment in the other eye
Have a family history of retinal detachment
Have had cataract surgery
Have other eye diseases or disorders, such as
retinoschisis, uveitis, degenerative myopia, or lattice
degeneration
Have had an eye injury
Symptoms
Symptoms include a sudden or gradual increase in either the
number of floaters, which are little "cobwebs" or specks
that float about in your field of vision, and/or light
flashes in the eye. Another symptom is the appearance of a
curtain over the field of vision. A retinal detachment is a
medical emergency. Anyone experiencing the symptoms of a
retinal detachment should see an eye care professional
immediately.
Effect on Vision
See our Vision Simulator page on how
Retinal Detachment can affect
your vision.
Treatment
Small holes and tears are treated with laser surgery or a
freeze treatment called cryopexy. During laser surgery tiny
burns are made around the hole to "weld" the retina back
into place. Cryopexy freezes the area around the hole and
helps reattach the retina. In some cases a scleral buckle, a
tiny synthetic band, is attached to the outside of the
eyeball to gently push the wall of the eye against the
detached retina. If necessary, a vitrectomy may also be
performed.
More information
Feel free to download some
materials from our Patient Resource page.
The information above is courtesy of the National Eye Institute, National
Institutes of Health.
