Detached Retina

The retina is made up of two layers.

• The sensory retina contains light-sensitive nerve cells.
• The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is a layer of support cells behind the sensory retina.

In retinal detachment caused by a retinal tear, the sensory retina is pulled away from the RPE because fluid builds up between the two layers. Part or all of the retina comes off (detaches from) the back of the eye.

Blurred and lost vision can occur.

Credits

By	Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer	Adam Husney, MD, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	Carol L. Karp, MD - Ophthalmology
Last Revised	August 7, 2011