40^th European Ophthalmology Congress

Retina and Retinal Detachment

The retina is the layer of specialized nerve tissue lining the back of the eye that allows you to see. The retina is very loosely attached to the back of the eye and in some cases, it may become detached. When the retina detaches, it is lifted from its normal position by fluid that accumulates between the retina and the eye wall. A detached retina is disconnected from its oxygen and nutrition supply. A hole or tear in the retina causes a retinal detachment. The presence of this hole or tear allows fluid to get underneath the retina and displace it from its nutrition source. Retinal detachments can develop at any age but tend to occur more commonly in the elderly. Retinal detachments usually occur around the time that the vitreous separates from the retina (PVD). Most PVDs causes no long-term damage to the eye, but in some individuals, they result in retinal tears that can then lead to a retinal detachment.