A retinal detachment is where the retinal lining disconnects from the back wall of the eye. This is due to a tear or a break in the lining of the eye, permitting fluid from the vitreous jelly to leak under the retinal lining, causing the retina to lift off. The retinal tear may have occurred due to trauma, more frequently vitreous traction from the vitreous jelly causing a rip in the retinal lining. Family history also plays a part in some cases. As well as, high myopia (short-sightedness) may increase the possibility of tears in the retina as the retina is thinner.

 

The retinal detachment may also be related with some haemorrhage into the vitreous jelly and the patient may note blurred vision or a reddish or pinkish tinge in their vision.

 

The patient may notice signs of a retinal tear or detachment, such as a rapid onset of flashes and floaters, followed by loss of vision, with the feeling that there is a curtain moving up and down or sideways. They may notice that the vision on one side of their field has decreased. The patient may also notice that their vision is blurred.

 

There are two type of surgery that are about to treat a retinal detachment, which involves an operation. Firstly the doctors can perform a vitrectomy surgery or scleral buckling. In most situations, vitrectomy surgery and scleral buckling can be performed under local anaesthetic with sedation. If needed, general anaesthesia can be offered.