There may be three types of retinal detachment:

- Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment: occurs due to a tear in the retina that allows the vitreous to pass into the subretinal space;

- Exudative serous retinal detachment: occurs due to inflammation, injury, or other vascular changes that result in fluid accumulation under the retina;

- Tractional retinal detachment: occurs due to a pull between the retina and fibrous or fibrovascular tissue (results from inflammation or neovascularization), leading to detachment of the retina from the pigmented epithelium.

Some Risk Factors are:

- Aging (higher risk over the age of 40);

- Hypertension;

- Diabetic Retinopathy

- Glaucoma;

- Eye injury or trauma;

- High myopia;

- History of ocular surgery and retinal detachments;

- Smoking;

- Family history of retinal detachment.

A retinal detachment is painless, however, there may be previous signs and symptoms such as the appearance of floating objects in the field of vision (spots, hairs, spider webs or floaters), flashes of light (photopsias) and the appearance of a shadow, similar to a curtain, which increases and occupies the field of vision.

The diagnosis is made by observing the fundus of the eye, and it is necessary to dilate the pupils, using mydriatic eye drops, for a better visualization of the fundus.

The treatment will depend on the type of detachment, and can be:

- Laser photocoagulation (Cryopexy);

- Scleral identation;

- Retinopexy;

- Vitrectomy.

A retinal detachment needs urgent treatment. Delayed diagnosis and treatment may lead to irreversible vision loss.

It is extremely important to contact an eye doctor if you suspect you may have a retinal detachment.