 | | | | Medical Health Encyclopedia | |
Retinal detachment
Definition:
Retinal detachment is a separation of the light-sensitive membrane in the back of the eye (the retina) from its supporting layers. Causes, incidence, and risk factors:
Text Continues Below
The retina is a transparent membrane at the back of the eye, which processes the images that are focused on it by the cornea and the lens. Retinal detachments are often associated with a tear or hole in the retina through which the internal fluids of the eye may leak. This causes separation of the retina from the underlying tissues. Retinal detachment may be caused by trauma, the aging process, severe diabetes, or an inflammatory disorder, but it frequently occurs spontaneously. In pre-term babies, retinal detachment can be caused by retinopathy of prematurity (abnormalities of the retina associated with being born prematurely).
During a detachment, bleeding from small retinal blood vessels may cloud the interior of the eye, which is normally filled with vitreous fluid. Central vision becomes severely affected if the macula, the part of the retina responsible for fine vision, becomes detached.
The risk factors are nearsightedness, a family history of retinal detachment, uncontrolled diabetes and trauma. Approximately 10,000 people per year are affected by retinal detachments.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. | |
|
.gif)
