WHAT IS RETINAL DETACHMENT?

The separation of the retinal layer from the pigment epithelium layer to which it is anatomically attached due to a crack or hole is called rhegmatogenous retinal detachment.

How does retinal detachment occur?
There is a gel structure inside the eye that resembles egg white, which we call vitreous.
The structure of the vitreous deteriorates with age. We perceive the deterioration in this gel structure as flies or hairs flying in front of our eyes. Sometimes the vitreous begins to separate from the retinal area it is attached to. During this time, symptoms such as flashes of light, soot, and flying flies can be observed in the eye. This situation can sometimes also cause a piece of the retina to detach. This is when a retinal tear occurs. The situation can quickly turn into separation (detachment) in the retinal layers.

What are the symptoms of retinal detachment?
Some points in the visual field cannot be seen or vision may decrease. However, in retinal detachments where the visual cortex is not affected, the patient may not notice these defects because vision is not reduced.

What are the risk factors?
The risk is higher in those with a family history of retinal detachment, those with high myopia, those with a history of eye trauma, and those who have had cataract surgery.