How is a detached retina defined?

A detached retina is defined as the separation of the retina from the back of the eye. This condition is critical to recognize because the retina is essential for vision; it converts light into neural signals and transmits them to the brain. When the retina detaches, it can lead to vision loss or blindness if not treated promptly.

The implications of a detached retina are significant. Patients may experience symptoms such as flashes of light, floaters, or a shadow over their vision. Understanding this definition is important for both diagnosis and treatment options.

In contrast, injury to the retina, inflammation of the retina, and distortion of the retina refer to different conditions that do not encompass the complete detachment of the retinal layer from the underlying tissue. Each of those conditions can have distinct causes and implications for a person’s vision but does not specifically capture the critical process of detachment that characterizes a detached retina.