Retinal detachment is separation of the retina from the underlying layers that line the inner wall of the eye. Through the retinal tear, liquid from the vitreous may pass through the tear, and detach the retina. As the fluid accumulates, more and more of the retina detach. Detached retina loses its function; hence the person with retinal detachment loses vision suddenly or gradually.
(Vitreoretinal diseases are conditions that affect structures in the eye called the retina and the vitreous. The retina is the light-sensitive layer in the back of the eye that focuses images and transmits that information to the brain via the optic nerve. The vitreous is a clear gel that fills the space between the lens (in the front of the eye) and the retina.)
