Retinal Detachment

Retinal detachment is a serious and potentially sight threatening condition which requires immediate treatment. There are three different types of retinal detachment, the most common form occurs when a tear in the sensory layer of the retina allows fluid to leak underneath creating a separation in the retina’s layers.

People with higher myopic prescriptions, those who have had eye surgery or suffered trauma to the eye have a thinner more delicate retina and therefore more at risk of this form of detachment.
The second form of retinal detachment is caused when strands of vitreous or scar tissue with a stronger traction than normal eventually pull the retina loose.

With the third form of retinal detachment small pockets of fluid form within the Vitreous, a gel like substance in the eye. These pockets of fluid move around until they eventually move between the retina and the vitreous, this will appear in the vision as a floater. If the pocket is large enough it can cause the vitreous to peel away. In some areas the vitreous has a strong attachment to the retina. If the vitreous peels away in these areas it can sometimes create a hole or tear in the retina.

A hole or tear in the retina increases the risk of retinal detachment which can cause loss of vision if left untreated. An operation will be required to fix the retina back in place. If you have a sudden onset of floaters in the vision it is important you see an Optometrist urgently.