Retinal Detachments

The retina is the thin layer that lines the inside of the back of the eye.  It senses light and sends images to the brain.  A retinal detachment usually occurs when a hole or tear in the retina develops.  Fluid from the eye leaks through the hole or tear separating the retina from the nourishing layer beneath it, like a blister.  The most common reason for a hole or tear in the retina is the vitreous jelly shrinking and pulling on the retina.

If left untreated, a detached retina would cause complete loss of vision.  However, if a tear is found before the detachment has started, it can be treated with laser surgery or freezing the area to create a seal around the tear, preventing a detachment from developing.  

If a retinal detachment occurs and fluid has leaked under the retina, surgery is usually necessary to seal the tear and push the retina back into its normal position.

A detached retina usually occurs in one eye, not both eyes, at a time.  Warning  signs of a detached retina include a gradual or sudden increase in floaters in one eye, a gradual or sudden increase in flashes of light in one eye, or the gradual or sudden appearance of a dark cloud or "curtain" over field of vision.

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