Retinal detachment

Retinal detachment is separation of the light-sensitive retina from the tissue beneath it. It can disrupt vision and cause sudden, often painless vision loss.

Retinal tear: A break in the retina that can allow fluid to pass beneath it. Fluid entering through a tear can lift the retina from its supporting tissue.
Photopsia: The perception of flashes of light without an external light source. New flashes can signal vitreoretinal traction that threatens a retinal tear.
Retina: The light-sensitive neural tissue lining the back of the eye. Detachment disrupts the retina’s contact with the tissue that supports it.
Retinal detachment versus posterior vitreous detachment: A comparison between separation of the retina from underlying tissue and separation of vitreous gel from the retina. The vitreous can detach without the retina detaching, though it may cause a retinal tear.
Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment: Retinal detachment caused by fluid passing through a retinal break. This common form begins when a tear lets vitreous fluid collect beneath the retina.
Floaters: Small spots, threads, or shadows that drift across the visual field. A sudden increase in floaters can accompany a retinal tear or detachment.
Retinal pigment epithelium: A layer of pigmented cells that supports photoreceptors and lies beneath the retina. The detached retina separates from this essential supporting layer.
Migraine aura: Reversible visual or sensory symptoms that can occur before or during migraine. Migraine aura can cause visual changes, but it does not separate the retina.
Vitreous humor: The clear gel filling the space between the lens and the retina. Changes in this gel can pull on the retina or pass through a tear.
Visual field defect: An area of reduced or absent vision within the field of view. A spreading shadow or curtain can mark the area of detached retina.

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