Retinal detachment
What is retinal detachment?
The retina is the light-sensitive nerve tissue lining the inside of the eye. It sends visual messages along the optic nerve to the brain.
Retinal detachment occurs when the retina becomes separated from where it is normally attached to the inside of the eye. When this happens the retina stops functioning, causing loss of vision.
Retinal detachment is a medical emergency. If not treated properly, it can lead to permanent blindness in the affected eye.
What causes retinal detachment?
There are 3 types of retinal detachment.
Rhegmatogenous
A hole or tear develops in the retina, allowing fluid to build up between the retina and the underlying tissue. This is the most common type.
Tractional
Scar tissue pulls the retina away from its attachment.
Exudative
There is leakage of fluid underneath the retina causing separation. It may be due to a number of causes, including leaky blood vessels or inflammation. This is the least common type.
Who is at risk of retinal detachment?
About one in 10,000 people in Australia will develop a retinal detachment each year.
The risk of developing the condition is higher in people with:
- advancing age;
- short-sightedness;
- a previous eye injury;
- previous cataract surgery;
- a history of retinal detachment in the other eye; or
- a family history of retinal detachment.
What are the symptoms?
The symptoms may include:
- Sudden onset of, or a sudden increase in, floaters (moving specks or ‘cobwebs’) and flashes (momentary flashes of light) that appear in your vision.
- Sudden deterioration in or loss of vision. This is commonly described as a ‘curtain’ or ‘shadow’ appearing across the field of vision, often starting on one side and moving towards the centre.
What is the treatment for retinal detachment?
If you have symptoms of retinal detachment, you must seek medical attention immediately. If treatment is delayed, there can be permanent loss of vision.
Small holes or tears, before the retina has detached, may be treated with laser or freezing (cryotherapy). If the retina has detached, surgery is required to re-attach it and to repair any tears/holes.
There are several different surgical options for the treatment of retinal detachment, and the choice of procedure will depend on the individual circumstances.
The amount of vision recovered after surgery will depend on how much of the retina has detached. Overall, about 95 per cent of cases of retinal detachment will be able to be repaired, with at least some vision preserved.
Last Reviewed: 04 August 2006
