Fluid buildup may be caused by inflammation or disease in the retina, in the layer just beneath the retina (choroid), in blood vessels, or in tissues in the eye. This fluid buildup can cause the retina to come off the back of the eye.

If tissue builds up between the vitreous gel and the retina, it can pull the retina away from the back of the eye. An eye or head injury or other eye disorders may also cause these tears or holes. Tears can also be caused by posterior vitreous detachment (PVD), when the vitreous gel shrinks and separates from the retina. These tears can happen when fluids collect under the retina. Retinal detachment is caused by: Tears or holes in the retina.Ī tear in the retina is the most common cause of retinal detachment. Retinal detachment requires medical care right away. But when the retina detaches, it no longer works as it should. The nerve cells in the retina normally detect light entering the eye and send signals to the brain about what the eye sees. Retinal detachment is an eye problem that happens when the retina, a thin membrane of nerve tissue that lines the back of the eye, comes off (detaches).

You should ensure you discuss these treatments thoroughly with your ophthalmologist and that you understand what is involved both in the surgery and post-surgery.Condition Basics What is retinal detachment? Your ophthalmologist will discuss all the surgical options available and advise you on which procedure would be most advantageous for you. The type of surgery will depend on the type and location of your detachment and any complicating factors, such as other eye conditions you have. Retinal detachment surgery is individual to each case. If this is not done, the retina will lose the ability to function, possibly permanently, and blindness will result. How is retinal detachment treated?Ī retinal detachment is treated with surgery to place the retina back in its proper position. Your ophthalmologist can diagnose retinal tear or retinal detachment during an eye examination by dilating your eyes’ pupils.Īn ultrasound of your eye may also be performed and can help your ophthalmologist see the exact position of your retina. Many people have flashes and floaters and this is normal for their age, however, if you experience flashes or floaters for the first time, or your usual flashes and floaters change, then you should have your eyes examined immediately.

Seeing a gray curtain moving across your field of vision.

A shadow appearing in your peripheral (side) vision.

A sudden appearance of flashes of light in one or both eyes.

A sudden increase in number and size of floaters.

But if more of your retina is detached, you may not be able to see as clearly as normal and you may notice other symptoms including: If only a small part of your retina has detached, you may not have any symptoms. What are the symptoms of retinal detachment? If you have any of the above risk factors, you should know the warning signs and seek immediate attention if you have any of them.

You have extreme near-sightedness (myopia).

You or a family member has had retinal detachment previously.

While rare, retinal detachment can happen to anyone, but some people are at a higher risk. This scar tissue can then pull on the retina (traction), causing a detachment. Other eye conditions such as diabetic retinopathy can result in fibrous scar tissue forming inside the vitreous gel and on the retina’s surface. Most PVDs however don’t result in retinal detachment.

Tears mostly happen when the vitreous gel that fills the middle of the eye suddenly becomes detached from the retina (called acute posterior vitreous detachment or PVD). Changes to the eye as you age can cause tears and holes because the retina has been pulled and torn as a result of these changes. Most retinal detachments happen because a tear or hole in the retina allows fluid to leak between the retinal layers, lifting the retina off the back of the eye. There are many causes of retinal detachment, but the most common are ageing or myopia (short sightedness).

Retinal detachment causes