Eyes / Eye Diseases

Retina Detachment

Retinal detachment is a separation or tear of the retina (the light-sensitive inner lining of the back of the eye) from the rest of the eye. Retinal detachment is a medical emergency. Failure to seek treatment promptly can result in partial or complete blindness in the affected eye.


Most retinal detachments are associated with posterior vitreous detachment. Vitreous detachment is a normal age-related change in the eye in which the clear jelly-like material (called the vitreous) that fills the central cavity of the eye begins to liquify. As it does so, it shrinks away from the retina. Occasionally it can tug on the retina with enough force to cause the retina to tear and detach.
Other retinal detachments are caused by trauma to the eye or head.

If detected early, most retinal detachments can be surgically repaired with little or no noticeable loss of vision.

Surgery is typically performed by a retinal specialist. If the retina has only a small tear with little or no detachment, a laser can often be used to seal and reattach the affected area. For larger retinal detachments, cryotherapy (extreme cold) is used to reattach the retina that has pulled away.