Retinal detachment | |
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Cross section of retinal detachment | |
Specialty | Ophthalmology |
Retinal detachment is a condition where the retina pulls away from the tissue underneath it.[1][2][3] It may start in a small area, but without quick treatment, it can spread across the entire retina, leading to serious vision loss and possibly blindness.[4] Retinal detachment is a medical emergency that requires surgery.[2][3]
The retina is a thin layer at the back of the eye that processes visual information and sends it to the brain.[5] When the retina detaches, common symptoms include seeing floaters, flashing lights, a dark shadow in vision, and sudden blurry vision.[1][3] The most common type of retinal detachment is rhegmatogenous, which occurs when a tear or hole in the retina lets fluid from the center of the eye get behind it, causing the retina to pull away.[6]
Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment is most commonly caused by posterior vitreous detachment, a condition where the gel inside the eye breaks down and pulls on the retina.[4][7] Risk factors include older age, nearsightedness (myopia), eye injury, cataract surgery, and inflammation.[7][8]
Retinal detachment is usually diagnosed through a dilated eye exam.[4] If needed, additional imaging tests can help confirm the diagnosis.[8] Treatment involves surgery to reattach the retina, such as pneumatic retinopexy, vitrectomy, or scleral buckling.[2] Prompt treatment is crucial to protect vision.[8]
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