A retinal detachment occurs when the retina’s sensory and pigment layers separate. Retinal detachment is considered an ocular emergency that requires immediate medical attention and surgery because it can cause devastating damage to vision if left untreated. It is a problem that occurs most frequently among the middle-aged and elderly.

Signs and Symptoms

Retinal detachments are usually found because the patient calls the doctor’s office with one or more of the symptoms listed above. It is critical that these problems are reported early because early treatment can greatly improve the chance of restoring vision.

There are a number of ways to treat retinal detachment. The ophthalmologist will select the appropriate treatment depending on the type, severity and location of the detachment.