The retina is a thin layer of tissue on the inside back wall of the eye, containing millions of light-sensitive cells and other nerve cells that receive and organize visual information. The retina sends this information to the brain through the optic nerve, enabling you to see. Retinal diseases can affect the area of the retina that serves the central vision. Even though they share common symptoms and treatments, each has its own unique characteristics. The goal of the retinal disease treatments is to stop or slow disease progression and preserve, improve or restore vision.

 

Symptoms

Flashing lights and floaters may be the initial symptoms of a retinal detachment or of a retinal tear that precedes the detachment itself. The flashing lights are caused by the vitreous gel pulling on the retina or a looseness of the vitreous, which allows the vitreous gel to bump against the retina. The lights are often described as resembling brief lightning streaks in the outside edges of the eye. The floaters are caused by condensations in the vitreous gel and frequently are described by patients as spots, strands, or little flies. They may often be unassociated with a tear or detachment and can merely result from a separation of the vitreous gel from the retina. This condition is called a posterior vitreous detachment (PVD). Although a PVD occurs commonly, there are no tears associated with the condition most of the time.

 

Causes

Studies have shown that the incidence of retinal detachments caused by tears in the retina is fairly low. Many retinal tears do not progress to retinal detachment. Nevertheless, many risk factors for developing retinal detachments are recognized, including certain diseases of the eyes, cataract surgery and trauma to the eye. Retinal detachments can occur at any age but are most common in adults 40 years and older who are highly nearsighted and in older people following cataract surgery.