What is a retinal detachment?
A retinal detachment is a separation of the layer at the back of the eye containing the ‘seeing’ cells (the retina) from the back of the eye. A retinal detachment sometimes occurs when a tear or hole develops in the retina and the fluid of the eye fills into the hole, pulling the retina away. Retinal tears or holes can occur following an injury to the eye and are more common in short-sighted (myopic) eyes. If the detachment becomes large and is not treated blindness can result. Symptoms of a retinal detachment include flashes of light, showers of spots or the sensation of a curtain or shadow coming over the vision. Retinal detachments must be treated urgently to prevent vision being lost. Common forms of treatment involve laser or freezing therapy (cryotherapy). Retinal tears may also be treated by these methods in order to prevent a retinal detachment occurring.
