Detached and Torn Retina Retinal Detachments Occur in 1 out of 10,000 Americans Each Year
Detached and Torn Retina Retinal Detachments Occur in 1 Out of 10,000 Americans Each Year A retinal detachment is not as common as other eye conditions such as glaucoma or macular degeneration, however… it is just as serious and it is a vision threatening condition which should be treated as an emergency. Dr. Randy Katz, Florida Eye’s Diabetic Retinopathy, Retinal Detachment & Macular Degeneration Specialist says that the sooner a retinal tear or detachment is treated the better the chances of saving the vision in the eye. What Is a Retinal Detachment? The retina is the light-sensitive layer of tissue that lines the inside of the eye and sends visual messages through the optic nerve to the brain. When the retina detaches, it is lifted or pulled from its normal position. When this occurs, if not promptly treated, retinal detachment can cause permanent vision loss. In some cases there may be small areas of the retina that are torn. These areas, called retinal tears or retinal breaks, can lead to a retinal detachment. Vitreous gel, the clear material that fills the eyeball, is attached to the retina in the back of the eye. As we get older, the vitreous may change shape, pulling away from the retina. If the vitreous pulls a piece of the retina with it, it causes a retinal tear. Once a retinal tear occurs, vitreous fluid may seep through and lift the retina off the back wall of the eye, causing the retina to detach or pull away. 2 Are You At Risk for a Torn or Detached Retina? A retinal detachment can occur at any age, but it is more common in people over age 40.
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