Detached Retina-What Causes It?

You may have heard of someone having a detached Retina and wondered what that is and what might have caused it to occur.

First, let’s talk about the Retina. The Retina is located at the back of the eye and is made of many layers of cells and nerves that sense light and capture a picture. The picture then is sent to the brain. The eye is like a camera, with the light being focused by the front of the eye. Like a camera that uses film, the retina is like the film lining the back of the camera with the lens focusing light onto it.

When the Retina detaches, it loses its normal position and separates from the wall of the eye. When it is not in the proper position it cannot function properly and vision will be blurred. This is a serious problem, a blinding eye problem, and needs to be treated to try to prevent permanent blindness.

So, how does the Retina become detached? There are a few different causes.

The middle of your eye is filled with a clear gel called the vitreous and it sits close to the retina. Over the years, the vitreous liquefies, in both young people and old. It often changes position and separates away from the Retina. This generally doesn’t cause a problem. Sometimes it may pull away and cause a hole or a tear the Retina. This tear can occur in one or more places. This can allow fluid to pass through the hole or tear, causing the retina to lift away from the back of the eye, similar to wallpaper peeling from a wall.

Are there any warning signs? New flashing lights, new floaters, or a shadow in the side of your vision could be the first signs of a retinal tear or retinal detachment, but not always. If you see any of these, it is recommended you contact your ophthalmologist for further examination.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, please contact D’Ambrosio Eye Care, by phoning 800-325-3937.