Retinal detachment (RD) is a disorder of the eye in wich the retina peels away from its underlying layer of support tissue. Initial detachment may be localised,
but without rapid treatment the entire retina may detach, leading to vision loss and blindness. it is a medical emergency.
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 this focused image into neural impulses and transmits them to the brain via the optic nerve.
RD will affect about one out of 10 000 people each year. This is a serious eye problem that may occur at any age, though usually it occurs in middle-aged or older individuals. It is more likely to develop in people who are nearsighted, or whose relatives had retinal detachmenst.
Severe trauma to the eye, such as contusion or a penetrating wound, may be the cause, but in the great majority of cases, retinal detachmentis the result of internal changes in the vitreous fluid associated with aging, or less frequently, with inflammation of the interior of the eye.
There are some retinal detachments that are caused by other diseases, such as tumours, severe inflammations or complications of diabetes. These secondary detachments do not always need surgery, but sometimes improve by treating the underlying cause.