Retinal Detachment / Torn Retina

Retinal DetachmentWhat is a Detached or Torn Retina?

Tears or holes in the retina cause most retinal detachments. In normal aging, there is shrinkage of the vitreous body, which is in the center portion of the eye. The vitreous body is attached to the retina in several places along the back wall of the eye. As the jelly like vitreous shrinks, in some cases it can pull a piece of retina away causing a hole of tear in the retina. Once the hole or tear occurs, fluid from the vitreous jelly can pass through the hole causing the retina to separate from the back of the eye, this causes the retina to detach. When this happens, blurred vision or a loss of peripheral vision can occur.

What are the Symptoms of Retinal Detachment?

Some of the common symptoms include a loss of peripheral vision, as well as floaters or flashes of light.

Who develops Retinal Detachments?

Retinal detachment affects 1 in about 10,000 people in the United States. Some of the causes of retinal detachment include: family history of retinal detachment, patients who are nearsighted, and following cataract surgery. Trauma, such as a hard blow to the eye can also cause a retinal detachment.