Retinal detachment Health Article

Definition

Retinal detachment is a separation of the light-sensitive membrane in the back of the eye (the retina) from its supporting layers.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

The retina is a transparent 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 detachments are often associated with a tear or hole in the retina through which eye fluids may leak. This causes separation of the retina from the underlying tissues.

Retinal detachment often occurs on its own without an underlying cause. However, it may also be caused by trauma, diabetes, an inflammatory disorder. Sometimes it may be caused by a related condition called posterior vitreous detachment.

During a retinal detachment, bleeding from small retinal blood vessels may cloud the interior 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.

The risk factors are previous eye surgery, nearsightedness, a family history of retinal detachment, uncontrolled diabetes, and trauma. Approximately 10,000 people per year have a retinal detachment.

Symptoms

• Bright flashes of light, especially in peripheral vision
• Blurred vision
• Floaters in the eye
• Shadow or blindness in a part of the visual field of one eye

Signs and tests

Tests will be done to check the retina and pupil response and your ability to see colors properly. These may include:

• Electroretinogram (a record of the electrical currents in the retina produced by visual stimuli)
• Fluorescein angiography
• Intraocular pressure determination
• Ophthalmoscopy
• Refraction test
• Retinal photography
• Test to determine your ability to see colors properly (color defectiveness)
• Visual acuity
• Slit-lamp examination
• Ultrasound of the eye