The retina is the back part, or wall, of the eye. The eye focuses light onto the retina, which translates the visual images into signals that are transmitted along the optic nerve to the brain. When retinal detachment occurs, the retina is pulled away or lifted from its normal position where it can get its needed oxygen and nutrients from a layer of blood vessels. People who are at higher risk to retinal detachment include people who are extremely nearsighted, who have a family history of retinal detachment and who have had cataract surgery. Retinal detachment is a condition that requires immediate medical attention. A lack of medical treatment can lead to blindness. There are several causes of retinal detachment.
Trauma
Physical trauma, such as a physical blow to the head, can cause the retina to break away from its normal position, or retinal detachment. Trauma can also cause small leaks in the eye, allowing eye fluid to flow beneath the retina and causing it to detach.
Retinal Tear
A tear in the retina can cause fluids to leak beneath it, causing separation from the layer of blood vessels that gives oxygen and nutrients. This is retinal detachment.
Fluid Build-Up
Fluid can leak under the retina even if there is no tear in it. Tiny holes in the retina can develop due to age or to disorders of the retina. Fluid leaks through these tiny holes and build up over time, causing the retina to detach.
Vitreous Shrinkage
The substance that fills the eye has a consistency that is similar to jelly and is called vitreous. Vitreous can shrink as people age, causing the eye to sag inward. This inward pressure can become forceful enough to cause retinal separation.
Scar Shrinkage
Scar tissue on the retina can shrink over time and pull the retina away from the layer of blood vessels. This is not a common type of retinal detachment.
