Information on a Detached Retina in the Eye

A detached retina develops when the retina pulls away from its normal position in the rear part of the eye. The retina captures visual images that are sent to the brain. An untreated detached retina often causes blindness.

Symptoms

• According to the University of Michigan Kellogg Eye Center, patients with a detached retina might observe floaters or a gray curtain that moves across their field of vision. (See Reference 1.)

Risk Factors

• Nearsightedness, glaucoma and previous cataract surgery can increase the likelihood of developing a detached retina, according to the University of Michigan Kellogg Eye Center. Other risk factors include weak areas of the retina, a family history of retina detachment and severe trauma.

Surgery

• The detached retina needs to be surgically sealed to the rear wall of the eye, usually with cryotherapy or laser surgery.

Risks of Surgery

• Bleeding, infection and high pressure in the eye are possible complications of detached retina surgery. In addition, Cataracts can develop after surgery.

Recovery

• According to the University of Michigan Kellogg Eye Center, vision might not improve for months after surgery for a detached retina. (See Reference 1.) Some patients might never experience improvement in their vision.