A retinal detachment is a serious eye condition that can lead to permanent vision loss and requires urgent attention. The retina is a thin layer of tissue at the back of the eye that is responsible for capturing images and sending them to the brain. When the retina becomes detached from the back of the eye, it can no longer send images to the brain, resulting in loss of vision.
There are three different types of retinal detachment:
Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment: This is the most common type of retinal detachment and occurs when the retina separates from the back of the eye due to a retinal tear or hole.
Tractional Retinal Detachment: This type of retinal detachment occurs when the retina becomes detached due to the pulling or stretching of the tissue. This is often seen in patients with diabetes or with a prior history of a retinal detachment.
Exudative Retinal Detachment: This type of retinal detachment is the least common. It occurs when fluid leaks and collects under the retina, resulting in it becoming detached from the back of the eye.
Retinal detachment most often is caused by the formation of a posterior vitreous detachment (PVD). During this process, the vitreous gel tugs on the retina and this can cause a tear in the retina leading to a retinal detachment. Central vision becomes severely affected if the macula, the part of the retina responsible for fine central vision, becomes detached. Retinal detachment can occur at any age, but it is most common in people in their 40’s-70’s. Less commonly, retinal detachment can be caused by trauma, diabetes, eye surgery or inflammation in the eye.
Your doctor will perform a dilated eye exam to examine the retina to look for retinal tears, holes, or detachment. Retinal images may be taken to help with the diagnosis.
