The retina is the light-sensitive
layer of tissue lining the inside of the eye.
This tissue is responsible for capturing light
and sending the message to the brain through the
optic nerve. If the retina is detached from its
normal position in the eye, it can sometimes cause
permanent vision loss.
Common symptoms with retinal detachments include
flashes of light, an increase in "floaters"
which are tiny specks or spots that float in your
vision, or the appearance of "spiderwebs"
or a shady veil in your vision. If you experience
any of these symptoms,
contact your doctor
immediately as this constitutes an ocular
emergency.
Retinal detachments can occur in people at any
age, but there are some people at higher risk
than others. It seems to affect women more than
men, and Caucasians more than African Americans.
It can also occur in people who are extremely
nearsighted, have a previous history of a retinal
detachment, have had any eye surgery, or has experienced
trauma to the eye.
Retinal tears or holes, which often preceed a
detachment, can be treated using laser surgery
or a freeze treatment to help reattach the tissue
to the back of the eye. Surgery for a retinal
detachment may include the use of a scleral buckle,
which is a tiny synthetic band that is implanted
to help hold the tissue in place. More than 90%
of retinal detachments can be successfully treated
if caught early.