Opthalmology

Unit 1: Sudden Loss of Vision

4: Retinal detachment

 

Anatomy and Physiology of the Retina

The retina is made up of two main layers:

  • The neurosensory retina
  • The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE)

anatomy and physiology of the retina

Layers in the retina

Source: Reproduced from Retinal pathology as biomarker for cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease, Mohammas Kamran Ikram, Carol Y Cheuug, Tien Y Wong, Christopher PLH Chen, J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2012;83:917-922. BMJ Publishing Group Ltd.

Posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) occurs when the vitreous separates from the retina, as part of the normal ageing process. Normally PVD does not cause a problem, but if there is an abnormal adhesion to the retina it can tear (rhegma) the retina. A rhegmatogenous retinal detachment occurs if vitreous fluid passes through the tear, separating the neurosensory retina from the retinal pigment epithelium.