What is a detached retina?

The retina is a thin layer of neurologically light-sensitive tissue that is spread over the back 2/3 of the inside of globe (eyeball). It corresponds to film in a camera. The retina sits snugly against the next layer of tissue but is not tightly fixed to it. If the retina develops a tear or an area of extreme thinning, the fluid that sloshes around inside the eye can get through the hole and gradually pry it loose. This is a retinal detachment. The visual effects can be quite devastating if not caught early enough. The symptoms of a retinal detachment are usually the sudden onset of specks (like pepper) accompanied by flashes of light off to one side. If the detachment spreads, there can be a dark "curtain" which is always off to the side that gradually progresses. Retinal detachments require an immediate visit to an ophthalmologist, preferably a retina sub-specialist.


Written by J. Trevor Woodhams, M.D. - Chief of Surgery, Woodhams Eye Clinic