A retinal detachment is a very serious problem that almost always causes blindness unless it is treated. The retina does not work when it is detached. Vision is blurred, like a camera picture would be blurry if the film were loose inside the camera.

What causes retinal
detachment?
The vitreous is a clear gel that fills the middle of the eye. As we get older, the vitreous may pull away from its attachment to the retina at the back of the eye.

A retinal detachment occurs when the retina is pulled away from its normal position.

Usually the vitreous separates from the retina without causing any problems. But sometimes the vitreous pulls hard enough to tear the retina in one or more places. Fluid may pass through the retinal tear, lifting the retina off the back of the eye, like wallpaper can peel off a wall.
The following conditions increase the chance that you might get a retinal detachment:

• Nearsightedness;
• Previous cataract surgery;
• Glaucoma;
• Severe injury;
• Previous retinal detachment in your other eye;
• Family history of retinal detachment;
• Weak areas in your retina that can be seen by your ophthalmologist.

Warning sign of retinal detachment:

• Flashing lights;
• New floaters;
• A gray curtain moving across your field of vision.

Your ophthalmologist (Eye M.D.) can diagnose retinal detachment during an eye exam where he or she dilates the pupils of your eyes. Some retinal detachments are found during routine eye exams. Only after careful examination can you ophthalmologist tell whether a retinal detachment is present.

What treatment is needed?

Retinal tears
Most retinal tears need to be treated with laser surgery or cryotherapy (freezing), which seals the retina to the back wall of the eye. These treatments cause little or no discomfort and may be performed in your ophthalmologist's office. Treatment usually prevents retinal detachment.

Retinal detachments
Almost all patients with retinal detachments require surgery to put the retina back in its proper place.