Retinal detachment occurs when the two layers of the retina are separated from each other and the eye wall. The purpose of the retina is to detect light and convert it into nerve signals.  When the two parts of the retina separate, the retina cannot process what it sees.

Most retinal detachments are caused by a condition where the vitreous gel (a thick fluid that fills the center of the eye) shrinks and separates from the retina.  This condition is known as posterior vitreous detachment (PVD).  Retinal detachment affects peripheral vision first.  Vision loss gets worse as time goes on.  Retinal detachment is considered an ocular emergency and needs to be treated immediately.  Sometimes the condition can become serious in as little as a few hours.

• A shadow or curtain effect across your line of sight that does not go away
• New and sudden vision loss that does not go away over time
• If you blink and the vision returns there is nothing to worry about
• If blinking does not bring back the vision, contact your doctor immediately
• Can be caused because of trauma to the eye

If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your doctor immediately.  If you hit your eye or there is extensive trauma to the eye contact your doctor.  The doctor can run a series of tests to see if your retina is torn or detached using ophthalmoscopy.  It is important to get a diagnosis by your doctor.  The doctor will perform surgery to reattach the retina.  Many times the surgery is a success.