Retinal detachment
The retina is a complex layer of tissue that chemically converts light into electronic impulses and sends these impulses to the brain for analysis. It is made of layers of nerves, connecting cells known as neurons, supporting cells, and specialized cells known as rods and cones that do the actual conversion from light to chemicals that stimulate the nerves that transmit the impulse to the brain. Behind the rods and cones is a layer of pigment that absorbs light and helps the rods and cones to recover chemically for the next light impulse.
The retina lines the back of the eye as the film in a camera.
Behind or beneath the retina is a layer of blood vessels and pigment called the choroid. It supplies oxygen and nutrition to the retina and removes waste products. The retina is attached in the front of the eye to the pars plana (posterior flat part of the ciliary body) and in the back of the eye to the optic nerve. When the retina is intact, it is held in place by the vitreous gel that fills the eye.
The retina is like the inner tube of a tire that is held against the inside of the tire by pressure from within. If a hole develops in the retina, the liquid portion of vitreous can pass through the retina, undermining the retina and causing it to become detached
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This exam of the eye is through a dilated pupil, using the indirect ophthalmoscope. This instrument uses a bright light and head held viewing apparatus along with a large lens held in front of the eye by the ophthalmologist. This allows the doctor to see the retina in three dimensions, all the way to the front edge of the retina. The doctor can see any holes in the retina and determine if they are involved in the retinal detachment. The doctor may press on the outside of the eyeball to indent it so that the far peripheral retina can be seen. Holes that cause retinal detachment may occur in this far peripheral