Retinal detachment

Retinal detachment is a disorder of the eye in which the retina peels away from its underlying layer of support tissue. Initial detachment may be localized, but without rapid treatment the entire retina may detach, leading to vision loss and blindness. It is a surgical emergency. The retina is a thin layer of light-sensitive tissue on the back wall of the eye. The optical system of the eye focuses light on the retina much like light is focused on the film in a camera. The retina translates that focused image into neural impulses and sends them to the brain via the optic nerve. Occasionally, posterior vitreous detachment, injury or trauma to the eye or head may cause a small tear in the retina. The tear allows vitreous fluid to seep through it under the retina, and peel it away like a bubble in wallpaper. As the retina is responsible for vision, persons experiencing a retinal detachment have vision loss. This can be painful or painless. Symptoms of retinal detachment may include: Floaters suddenly appearing in the eye Flashes of light in vision Experiencing a "dark curtain" or shadow moving across the field of vision Sudden blurred vision Ultrasound, MRI, and CT scan are commonly used to diagnose retinal detachment. There are 4 main types of retinal detachment: Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment – A rhegmatogenous retinal detachment occurs due to a hole or tear (both of which are referred to as retinal breaks) in the retina that allows fluid to pass from the vitreous space into the subretinal space between the sensory retina and the retinal pigment epithelium. This is the most common form of retinal detachment, affecting approximately 1 in 10,000 individuals per year. Exudative, serous, or secondary retinal detachment – An exudative retinal detachment occurs due to inflammation, injury or vascular abnormalities that results in fluid accumulating underneath the retina without the presence of a hole, tear, or break.