Why does retinal detachment occur?
The light-sensitive tissue that lines the back of our eye is called retina, in it the different rays of light are focused through the lens, the cornea and the pupil, to turn them into electrical impulses that then travel through the optic nerve to the brain. Finally, in this important organ they are interpreted as the images we see.
The inside of our eye is full of vitreous, a kind of transparent gel that is attached to the retina. Occasionally, small clumps of cells or gel inside the vitreous may project leftovers onto the retina.
In these moments it is common to see small spots, spots or clouds that move along the field of vision. It is what is known by the name of floating spots, and are more visible when we look at a flat background, as for example is the case of blue sky or a simple wall.
Over the years, as we get older, little by little the vitreous tends to shrink and pull the retina, at which time it is possible to notice intermittent lights, which is medically known as "scintillations".
Generally the vitreous tends to separate from the retina without causing problems, but sometimes when pulling too hard is able to break the retina in one or more areas, so that the liquid can pass through the point where the tear has occurred , lifting it from the back of the eye, while the retina tends to separate from the back of the eye. It is what is known as retinal detachment.
What is the retinal detachment?
It consists of one ocular disease which occurs when a spontaneous separation of the well-known sensorineural retina (the innermost layer of the retina) of the pigmentary epithelium (the outer layer).
When this separation occurs, the liquid tends to accumulate in the space that is formed between the neurosensory retina and the pigmentary epithelium, so that the retina that has been detached is not able to nourish itself or function properly.
Why does retinal detachment occur?
Retinal detachment is much more frequent after a certain age, because with aging it is quite common for the vitreous to shrink and pull the retina, sometimes excessively.
In fact, it is common for the vitreous to reduce normally as we get older - transparent material that fills our eyeball - as it tends to change shape or move away from the retina.
If the vitreous pulls the retina and separates a piece of it, it is precisely when the detachment or tearing of the retina occurs. Thus, if it occurs, the vitreous humor may come to leak through the detachment, elevating the posterior wall of the eye and causing the retina to detach.
It's more, The most common type of retinal tear is due to a perforation or retinal tear, which causes the separation of the retina from the underlying tissues. It is due to a condition known as posterior vitreous detachment, and may be caused by a very serious myopia or for a traumatism. A family history also increases the risk.
There is also another cause, known by the name of detachment by traction, which occurs especially in people with uncontrolled diabetes, chronic inflammation or a history of retinal surgery. This article is published for informational purposes only. It can not and should not replace the consultation with a Physician. We advise you to consult your Trusted Doctor. ThemesDiseases of the eyes