Philip Walsh - What is a retinal detachment?

Retinal detachments occur when the retina begins to tear away from the blood vessels supplying it with nutrients and oxygen.

The retina is a light-sensitive layer of tissue that lines the inner surface of the eye and acts much in the same way as a film in a camera. When light hits the retina, it creates electrical and chemical reactions that send an image through the optic nerve to the brain. This allows the brain to 'see' what the eye sees.

Due to the importance of the retina in sight, a detachment is a serious condition that can cause blindness if left untreated.

To find out more about retinal detachments, warning signs, causes and treatments speak to your local Specsavers optometrist or visit www.specsavers.co.nz.