Normally, the retina (a part of the eye) is firmly attached to the choroid, an underlying layer of eye tissue that is rich in blood vessels. If blood or other fluid collects between the retina and the choroid, the retina may become partially or totally detached. Fluid from the vitreous cavity (the fluid-filled space within the eye) may penetrate beneath the retina via a small hole. Fluid leaking out of certain blood vessels in the eye may also penetrate beneath the retina to cause detachment.

Causes

Cataract surgery, severe myopia (nearsightedness), and injury can cause retinal detachment. Although injury can cause this condition, it is more likely to accelerate a detachment that has already begun. Conditions that increase susceptibility to a detached retina are inflammation or tumors of the eye, high blood pressure, and vitreous hemorrhaging.

Symptoms

Initial symptoms of a detached retina include seeing floating dark spots or streaks of light and experiencing blurring of vision. As the condition progresses, a veil seems to fall over part or all of the field of vision.

Treatment

A detached retina can be treated with laser surgery, in which a laser is used to fuse the retina to the choroid. It can also be treated by diathermy (repair using heat), cryotherapy (repair using extreme cold), or microsurgery (surgery using a microscope). Left untreated, the detachment may increase and lead to the loss of sight.