Retinal detachments are associated with a tear or hole in the retina through which the internal fluids of the eye may leak, causing separation of the retina from the underlying tissues. This may be caused by trauma, the aging process, a tumor , or an inflammatory disorder, but it frequently occurs spontaneously. Bleeding from small blood vessels may cloud the vitreus fluid.
Central vision becomes affected if the macula , the central part of the retina, becomes detached.
The risk factors are nearsightedness , a family history of retinal detachment, Caucasian background, and male sex. Approximately 20,000 people per year are affected with retinal detachments. Laser surgery can be used to seal the tears or holes in the retina that generally precede detachment. Surgical reattachment involves indentation of the sclera to relieve pressure on the retina, allowing it to re-attach. The outcome depends upon the location and extent of the detachment and early treatment.