The retina is a thin layer of nerve cells lining the inside of the back of the eye. You need the retina to see properly. It turns the light that enters the eye into an image by sending a message along the optic nerve to the brain.
When this light-sensitive layer becomes separated from the inner wall of the eye, it is called retinal detachment. If this is not treated, it usually leads to blindness in the affected eye.
Retinal detachment normally occurs in one eye.
How common is it?
Retinal detachment is rare, affecting one in 10,000 people. It can affect anyone but is more common in the following people:
- those who are short-sighted,
- those who have had complicated cataract surgery in the past, and
- those who have suffered a significant blow to the eye in the past.
How does it happen?
The retina usually becomes detached if there are one or more holes in it. This can happen naturally if the retina becomes thin, particularly among those who are short-sighted. Retinal detachment can be caused by injury to the eye or diabetes (see Causes, above).
The fluid in front of the retina creeps in through the breaks and separates the retina.
Outlook
Retinal detachment can be treated with surgery to seal the holes and reattach the retina (see Treatment, above). This usually brings back some but not all of your sight and prevents you from going blind.
Vision is affected because the retina is unable to function properly (see Symptoms, above). This means it has implications for driving.
See Useful links to find out how to inform the DVLA if you have this condition.
Continue to next section: Symptoms of retinal detachment