What Is Retinal Detachment?

By james

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At the back of our eyes internally is a thin membrane known as the retina. This membrane is one of the key components of our ability to see. Light passes through the eyes and hits the back of the eye where the retina is located. The retina can then detect this light and send the information to the brain via the optic nerve.

Although thin and delicate, the retina is usually quite safe because it is tucked away safely deep in our skull. It is not completely safe, however, as injuries and some medical conditions might cause it harm. One example of this happening is a retinal detachment, and it will cause blindness in some cases.

1. Retinal Tear

A condition that is associated with a retinal detachment is a retinal tear. This can happen because the retina is very thin and cracks in the membrane can develop. In some cases, a retinal tear will appear with no warning and for no apparent reason. In other cases, a retinal tear can be caused by an injury or the vitreous gel pulling on the membrane.

A retinal tear can sometimes result in the eye filling with blood, resulting in a loss of vision. The condition does have the potential to permanently blind the patient in the affected eye, so medical help should be found as soon as possible. A retinal tear can also sometimes cause a retinal detachment.