Retinal Detachment Q&A with Dr. Rich McCurdy

We spoke with Dr. Rich McCurdy of Clinic for Vision in Albertville, AL to find out more about this eye health problem

What happens in your eye during a retinal detachment?
During a retinal detachment, the inner lining of the eyeball which is made of very thin neural tissue separates from the wall of the eye.

What causes your retina to detach?
There can be various causes including trauma, genetic predisposition, age, large nearsighted prescription.

How serious is this condition and what should a person do if it was to occur?
Retinal detachment can be quite serious if net treated as it can causes vision loss and in some cases complete blindness.

How would a person know that this is occurring? Is there any pain associated with this?
There is no pain associated with a retinal detachment. Symptoms include flashes of light especially in the periphery of the eye, a sudden onset of "floaters'! that can look like "spots, bugs, strings, spider webs, etc'. Extreme symptoms would be a "curtain or a veil" of darkness in your vision.

I understand there are three types of detachment. Can you tell us a little about each type?
There are 3 major types:
1- Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment - Usually a mechanical cause that breaks or tears the retina.

2- Exudative retinal detachment - This type of detachment is cause by a accumulation of fluid underneath the retina which may be due to medical conditions like hypertension or diabetes.

3- Tractional retinal detachment - Caused by pulling on the retina by tissue inside the eye. This type is also usually associated with systemic conditions.