Retina

The retina is a thin layer of light sensitive tissue on the back wall of the eye. The optical system of the eye focuses light on the retina much like light is focused on the film in a camera. The retina translates that focused image into neural impulses and sends them to the brain via the optic nerve. Occasionally, posterior vitreous detachment, injury or trauma to the eye or head may cause a small tear in the retina. The tear allows vitreous fluid to seep through it under the retina, and peel it away like a bubble in wallpaper.

Retinal detachment is a disorder of the eye in which the retina separates from its underlying layer of support tissue. Initial detachment may be localized, but without rapid treatment the entire retina may detach, leading to vision loss and blindness. Retinal Detachment is a medical emergency.

A retinal detachment is commonly preceded by a posterior vitreous detachment which gives rise to these symptoms:

• flashes of light (photopsia) – very brief in the extreme peripheral (outside of center) part of vision
• a sudden dramatic increase in the number of floaters
• a ring of floaters or hairs just to the temporal side of the central vision
• a slight feeling of heaviness in the eye
• Although most posterior vitreous detachments do not progress to retinal detachments, those that do produce the following symptoms:
• a dense shadow that starts in the peripheral vision and slowly progresses towards the central vision
• the impression that a veil or curtain was drawn over the field of vision
• straight lines (scale, edge of the wall, road, etc.) that suddenly appear curved (positive Amsler grid test)
• central visual loss

Retinal detachment requires care right away. Without treatment, vision loss can progress from minor to severe or even to blindness within a few hours or days. Only surgery can repair retinal detachment. It is usually successful and, in many cases, restores good vision.

View Video