Retinal Detachment

The retina is the clear tissue in the back of the eye. It helps you see the images that are focused on it by the cornea and the lens. Retinal detachment is a separation of the light-sensitive membrane in the back of the eye (the retina) from its supporting layers.

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The most common type of retinal detachments are often due to a tear or hole in the retina. Eye fluids may leak through this opening. This causes the retina to separate from the underlying tissues, much like a bubble under wallpaper. This is most often caused by a condition called posterior vitreous detachment. However, it may also be caused by trauma and very bad nearsightedness. A family history of retinal detachment also increases your risk.

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Another type of retinal detachment is called tractional detachment. This is seen in people who have uncontrolled diabetes, previous retinal surgery, or have chronic inflammation. When the retina becomes detached, bleeding from area blood vessels may cloud the inside of the eye, which is normally filled with vitreous fluid. Central vision becomes severely affected if the macula, the part of the retina responsible for fine vision, becomes detached.

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Learn more:

• American Society of Retina Specialists: https://www.asrs.org/patients/retinal-diseases/6/retinal-detachment
• Medline Plus: https://medlineplus.gov/retinaldetachment.html
• National Eye Institute: https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/retinal-detachment
• University of Michigan Kellogg Eye Center: https://www.umkelloggeye.org/conditions-treatments/detached-retina-retinal-detachment