Retinal detachment is a condition of the eye in which the retina peels away from the underlying layer of support tissue. The vitreous gel, to which the retina is attached, can separate from the retina over time. The traction caused by the detachment can create a tear in the retina eventually causing a retinal detachment.

Symptoms of retinal detachment include floaters (floating black spots), flashes of light, wavy or distorted vision or part of the peripheral or side vision is missing or shadowed. If any of these symptoms have occurred, they can have destructive results if not treated immediately by a specialist.

Individuals who have a family history of retinal detachment, are extremely nearsighted, have diabetes or have suffered an eye injury are subject to retinal detachment. There are three types of retinal detachment; the first occurs when fluid seeps underneath the sensory layer, causing the retina to separate from the underlying pigment layer (this event can happen to people who are near-sighted). The second occurs when strands of vitreous or scar tissue create traction on the retina causing it to come loose (happens to those with diabetes). The third type of retinal detachment is when fluid collects underneath the layers of the retina, which causes it to separate from the back wall of the eye.

There are various surgical treatments for retinal detachment; however, the specific treatment depends on the type, severity, and location of the detachment. If it is not treated immediately, it can cause permanent partial vision loss or blindness. Processes such laser photocoagulation and cryopexy are common treatments if the retinal detachment is not severe. During laser photocoagulation, a laser burns the edges of the tear and prevents further tearing and fluid from passing through; this performed as an outpatient procedure, under local anesthesia. During cryopexy, a nitrous oxide is used to freeze the tissue behind the retinal tear, which seals the edges of the tear. This process is also performed as an outpatient procedure, under local anesthesia.

Under more severe circumstances, scleral buckling is performed in which a tiny sponge or silicon band is attached to the outer membrane of the eye, pressing against the retina and holding it in place.