Retinal detachment
The retina is the curved back layer of the eye and is covered in light sensitive cells. These cells get their names because they are shaped like rods and cones. Rods respond to dim light, while cones recognise colour with red, green or blue responsive cones. Light enters the eye through the pupil and is focused by the cornea and the lens so that a crisp picture can fall on the retina. Information is then relayed to the brain via the optic nerve.
When a person has a detached retina, it means the retina has separated from the back of the eye. Without treatment, retinal detachment may worsen until the retina is completely detached and unable to send information down the optic nerve to the brain. This results in blindness. Older people are at increased risk.
The treatment success rate is high, with around nine out of 10 retinas able to be reattached.