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The retina, which records the images seen by the eye and transmits them to the brain, lies flat against the back, inside wall of the eye itself. Should it become detached from that position, vision will be lost. The retina must be reattached in order to restore vision. However, some visual defect often persists even after the retina is reattached.

Most commonly, the detachment is caused by the normal aging of the vitreous, the gel like substance that fills the eye. As we grow older, the vitreous can retract and tear the retina which causes fluid to creep beneath it and force it to separate from the back wall.

If you are very nearsighted or have a family history of retinal detachment, you are in the most vulnerable category of those who can be afflicted by this disorder. Also, this condition can result from an eye injury and can also result from certain kinds of eye surgery.

One of the symptoms of retinal detachment is the witnessing of floaters or spots in a person's visual field; however this does not always mean that the condition is present. Another symptom is seeing flashes of light or what is often experienced as a dark curtain hovering over the field of vision. Any of these symptoms should prompt consultation with a retinal specialist as soon as possible. NRI specialists are on call 24/7 for such situations.

Retinal tears and small retinal detachments can often be treated with laser on the office but retinal detachment needs to be treated surgically which can be performed in a hospital or an outpatient facility. Depending upon the nature of the detachment, various surgical techniques are now available to perform the procedure.