The retina lies in the back of the eye. It is a multi-layer tissue which is responsible for detecting visual images and transmitting these to the brain. The retina is similar to the film inside a camera. A retinal detachment occurs when it pulls away from the back of the eye.

Retinal tear with detachment

Typically following a retinal detachment, patients may experience different symptoms. These include flashing lights, an apparent covering or curtain over part of the visual field or many floaters. Importantly, these symptoms can also be present without a retinal detachment. If you experience these symptoms, you should contact your eye doctor as soon as possible.

Sometimes the retina does not fully detach, but only tears. In these cases, treatment is done with a laser or freezing technique (cryotherapy) that seals the tear. If the retina is fully detached, surgery or special gas injections are performed to place the retina back into position. With modern therapy, over 90 % of those with retinal detachment are successfully treated, although sometimes a second treatment is needed.

Retinal detachment are more likely to occur in people who are: extremely nearsighted, have had a retinal detachment in the other eye, have a family history of retinal detachment, have had previous intraocular surgery, have had a traumatic eye injury, have other significant eye disease.