How can a retina become detached

Y our Questions about Retinal Detachment Answered: To view all 9 of the videos in this series, click on the icon in the upper left of the video screen.

A detached retina occurs when the retina is pulled away from its normal position in the back of the eye. The retina sends visual images to the brain through the optic nerve. When detachment occurs, vision is blurred. A detached retina is a serious problem that can cause blindness unless it is treated.

The retina normally lies smoothly and firmly against the inside back wall of the eyeball and functions much like the film in the back of a camera. Millions of light-sensitive retinal cells receive optical images, instantly "develop" them, and send them on to the brain to be seen. If any part of the retina is lifted or pulled from its normal position, it is considered detached and will cause some vision loss.

The symptoms described above may not necessarily mean that you have a detached retina. However, if you experience one or more of these symptoms, contact your ophthalmologist for a complete exam. The vitreous is the clear collagen gel that fills the eye between the retina and the lens. As we get older, the vitreous may pull away from its attachment to the retina at the back of the eye. Usually the vitreous separates from the retina without causing a problem. But sometimes the vitreous pulls hard enough to tear the retina in one or more places, causing the retinal detachment.

Fluid may pass through the retinal tear and lift the retina off the back of the eye like wallpaper can peel off a wall. Arroyo JG. Rochester, Minn. Freund KB, et al. Peripheral retinal degenerations and rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. In: The Retinal Atlas. Detached or torn retina. American Academy of Ophthalmology. Creating a comfortable environment for people with low vision.

American Foundation for the Blind. Softing Hataye AL expert opinion. Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Related Pneumatic retinopexy Retinal detachment. Associated Procedures Ultrasound. Mayo Clinic Press Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic. This makes the eyeball change shape, and it can tug on the retina itself.

Some changes to the vitreous and retinal tugging are actually fairly normal. Most people experience this as seeing a little flash of light. However, a retinal detachment happens when the vitreous tugs so hard on the retina that the retina moves away from the eyeball.

If too much fluid gets in between the eyeball and retina, this can cause retinal detachment. Once detached, the retina can no longer do its job of sending light signals to the brain, which can cause a loss or alteration of vision. The most common risk factor for retinal detachment is age. Most people who experience detachment are over the age of A retinal detachment, however, can occur at age.

If you sustain blunt force trauma to the eye, this can also cause retinal detachment. This can happen by blood cells getting in between the retina and vitreous it is attached to, which can ultimately make someone lose their vision, or their eye entirely. People who have diabetes are also known to be more prone to developing a retinal detachment. If you have diabetes , you should speak to your doctor about what you can do to possibly prevent retinal detachment and your risk factors.

Individuals with severe nearsightedness are also more prone to developing a detachment. This is because their eyes change shape, which makes it more difficult for them to see clearly. Often times, this is genetic. Finally, individuals who have a close family member who has experienced a retinal detachment are also more likely to experience one themselves. Most people will also have had symptoms for a couple of days or weeks leading up to the detachment that serve as a warning that there might be a problem.

Leading up to the retinal detachment, many people notice that their peripheral vision gradually begins to go. This may happen over the course of days or weeks. You may also see more floaters than you usually do. The floaters may move over your field of vision and then flash.

Before you experience retinal detachment, you may also notice a decrease in your vision or your ability to see. This can take the form of blurriness or appearing as though there is something in your field of vision.

Find an optician. You'll be referred to hospital for surgery if tests show your retina may be detached or has started to come away retinal tear. It's usually done with local anaesthetic, so you're awake but your eye is numbed. You do not normally need to stay in hospital overnight. Recovery time after surgery varies. But as a general guide, for 2 to 6 weeks after surgery:.