A detached retina is a medical emergency requiring examination and treatment by an ophthalmologist as soon as possible. The retina is the layer of cells at the back of the eye that contains the cells that transmit visual information to the brain. The retina stops working properly once it detaches from the back of the eye; if not repaired soon, the vision in the eye could be permanently affected. Retinal detachments can occur spontaneously; however, there are other causes of a detached retina.
Cataract Surgery
Cataract surgery is a safe procedure for the vast majority of patients. According to the "Digital Journal of Ophthalmology," however, retinal detachments occur in 1.5 percent of patients after cataract surgery. If a patient notices flashing lights, floaters or black spots in the vision or a dark shade coming into the line of vision, that patient needs to follow up with an ophthalmologist immediately.
Nearsightedness
In nearsightedness or myopia, the eyeball tends to be longer than normal. Because of the length of the eyeball, the retinas tend to be thinner and more likely to tear. In these patients, an eye doctor will look at the retina closely during regular dilated examinations to determine if there are any areas of weakness or tears. These can be treated with laser as a preventative measure.
Trauma
When the eye shifts violently after a trauma such as a blow to the eye or to the head, the gel-like substance in the back of the eye called the vitreous shifts as well. The vitreous is connected to the retina and can pull the retina off of the back of the eye. An eye examination after a trauma may find any problems; more than one eye examination may be needed to be sure that the retina is still attached.
Retinal Holes or Tears
With the thinned retina, nearsighted patients can have asymptomatic retinal holes or tears that the eye doctor may treat with laser to seal down the edges. In retinal holes, the vitreous can pull on the edges allowing fluid to seep underneath and detach the rest of the retina. Although they are more common in nearsighted people, retinal holes and tears can be present in other people as well.
Diabetes
Advanced diabetic eye disease can cause retinal detachments. In this condition, the retina produces new blood vessels which are weaker than normal blood vessels; these vessels can push the retina away by growing underneath the retina or pull the retina by forming scar tissue.
Other Causes
Other eye diseases such as glaucoma can cause retinal detachments. Tumors growing in the eye can cause retinal detachments by pushing the retina away from the back of the eye; some eye infections can cause problems with the retina as well.
