Overview

Retinal detachment describes an emergency situation in which a thin layer of tissue (the retina) at the back of the eye pulls away from its normal position.

Retinal detachment separates the retinal cells from the layer of blood vessels that provides oxygen and nourishment. The longer retinal detachment goes untreated, the greater your risk of permanent vision loss in the affected eye.

Warning signs of retinal detachment include the sudden appearance of floaters and flashes and reduced vision. Contacting an eye specialist (ophthalmologist) right away can help save your vision.

Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com

Symptoms

Retinal detachment itself is painless. But warning signs almost always appear before it occurs or has advanced, such as:

• The sudden appearance of many floaters — tiny specks that seem to drift through your field of vision
• Flashes of light in one or both eyes
• Blurred vision
• Gradually reduced side (peripheral) vision
• A curtain-like shadow over your visual field

When to see a doctor

Seek immediate medical attention if you are experiencing the signs or symptoms of retinal detachment. You are at greater risk of developing a retinal detachment if:

• You're older than 50
• You or a family member has had a detached retina
• You're extremely nearsighted

Retinal detachment is a medical emergency in which you can permanently lose your vision.

Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com

Causes

Retinal detachment can occur as a result of:

• A sagging vitreous (VIT-ree-us) — the gel-like material that fills the inside of your eye
• Injury
• Advanced diabetes

How retinal detachment occurs

Retinal detachment can occur when the gel-like material (vitreous) leaks through a retinal hole or tear and collects underneath the retina.

Aging or retinal disorders can cause the retina to thin. Retinal detachment due to a tear in the retina typically develops when the vitreous collapses and tugs on the retina with enough force to create a tear.

Fluid inside the vitreous then finds its way through the tear and collects under the retina, peeling it away from the underlying tissues. These tissues contain a layer of blood vessels called the choroid (KOR-oid). The areas where the retina is detached lose this blood supply and stop working, so you lose vision.

Aging-related retinal tears that lead to retinal detachment

As you age, your vitreous may change in consistency and shrink or become more liquid. Eventually, the vitreous may separate from the surface of the retina — a common condition called posterior vitreous detachment (PVD).

As the vitreous separates or peels off the retina, it may tug on the retina with enough force to create a retinal tear. Left untreated, fluid from the vitreous cavity can pass through the tear into the space behind the retina, causing the retina to become detached.

PVD can cause visual symptoms. You may see sudden new floaters or flashes of lights (photopsia). These may be visible even in daylight. The flashes may be more noticeable when your eyes are closed or you're in a darkened room.

Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com

Diagnosis

Your doctor may use the following tests, instruments and procedures to diagnose retinal detachment:

• Retinal examination. The doctor may use an instrument with a bright light and a special lens (ophthalmoscope) to examine the back of your eye, including the retina. The ophthalmoscope provides a highly detailed view, allowing the doctor to see any retinal holes, tears or detachments.
• Ultrasound imaging. Your doctor may use this test if bleeding has occurred in the eye, making it difficult to see your retina.

Your doctor will likely examine both eyes even if you have symptoms in just one. If a tear is not identified at this visit, your doctor may ask you to return within a few weeks to confirm that your eye has not developed a delayed tear as a result of the same vitreous separation. Also, if you experience new symptoms, it's important to return to your doctor right away.

Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com

Coping and support

Retinal detachment may cause you to lose vision. Depending on your degree of vision loss, your lifestyle might change significantly.

You may find the following ideas useful as you learn to live with impaired vision:

• Check into transportation. Investigate vans and shuttles, volunteer driving networks, or ride shares available in your area for people with impaired vision.
• Get glasses. Optimize the vision you have with glasses that are specifically tailored for your eyes.
• Get help from technology. Digital talking books and computer screen readers can help with reading, and other new technology continues to advance.
• Brighten your home. Have proper light in your home for reading and other activities.
• Make your home safer. Eliminate throw rugs and place colored tape on the edges of steps. Consider installing motion-activated lights.
• Enlist the help of others. Tell friends and family members about your vision problems so they can help you.
• Talk to others with impaired vision. Take advantage of online networks, support groups and resources for people with impaired vision.

Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com

Risk factors

The following factors increase your risk of retinal detachment:

• Aging — retinal detachment is more common in people over age 50
• Previous retinal detachment in one eye
• A family history of retinal detachment
• Extreme nearsightedness (myopia)
• Previous eye surgery, such as cataract removal
• Previous severe eye injury
• Previous other eye disease or inflammation