Definition

A detached retina occurs when the retina is pulled or falls away from its normal position. The retina is a light-sensitive layer of tissue that lines the back of the eye. It converts visual images into nerve impulses in the brain that allow us to see.

Detached Retina

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Causes

Many factors can cause retinal detachment. These include:

• Eye trauma—damage from blunt or penetrating injuries to the eye, which may be caused by:
  • Sports-related activities
  • Blunt trauma
  • Flying objects
  • Car accidents
• Severe nearsightedness —This causes an unusually elongated eyeball, which can lead to increased risk for retinal detachment.
• Cataract surgery —This and many other types of eye surgery can increase the risk of retinal detachment.
• Scar tissue in the eye, especially if it contracts
• Tumors in the eye
• Certain other eye and medical disorders

Risk Factors

A risk factor is something that increases your chances of getting a disease or condition. Risk factors for retinal detachment include:

• Increasing age—With age, changes occur in the eye that can lead to an increased risk of retinal detachment.
• Previous retinal detachment in the same or other eye
• Severe nearsightedness
• Family members with retinal detachment
• Holes or tears in the retina
• Trauma

Symptoms

Retinal detachment is painless. However, if it is not treated quickly, a detached retina can cause permanent, partial, or total vision loss. If you have any of these symptoms, contact an eye doctor immediately:

• Sudden appearance or increase in the number of “floaters,” which are shapes that float in the eye and are seen in the field of vision
• Brief flashes of light in the eye
• Loss of the eye’s central or peripheral field of vision
• A curtain appears to fall over part of the visual field
• Sudden changes or blurring of vision

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a thorough eye exam. Tests may include:

• Eye exam—The pupil is dilated with eye drops, and the inside of the eye is examined with a lighted instrument called an ophthalmoscope.
• Ultrasound—The doctor uses sound waves to examine the eye.

Treatment

Treatments may include:

If you are diagnosed with a detached retina, follow your doctor's instructions .

Prevention

To help prevent retinal detachment, do the following:

• Always wear protective eyewear or goggles when participating in:
  • Contact sports
  • Activities that involve flying objects
  • Any other potentially dangerous activity where the eye can get injured
• Have regular eye exams at least once a year if you are at risk. Depending on your age and risk factors, you may need to see the eye doctor more often.
• Contact an eye doctor immediately if you have:
  • An eye injury
  • Any symptoms of retinal detachment, such as flashing lights, floating objects, loss of part of your peripheral vision, or any other change in vision