Separation of the retina from the outer layers at the back of the eye. Detachment may follow an eye injury but usually occurs spontaneously. It is usually preceded by a retinal tear, and is more common in highly myopic (shortsighted) people and in people who have had cataract surgery. The detachment is painless. The first symptom is either bright flashes of light at the edge of the field of vision, accompanied by floaters, or a black “drape” obscuring vision. Urgent treatment is required and usually involves surgical repair of the underlying tear. If the macula (site of central vision) has not been detached, the results can be excellent.
Retinal detachment |
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