When the retina is detached from the tissue that supports it, it is detached from a layer of blood vessels that supply the necessary oxygen and nutrients. Some of the symptoms are the appearance of small particles (floating spots), sudden flashes of light or a shadow in the visual field.

Treatment: if the retina is only torn and detachment has not yet occurred, a preventive treatment can be chosen by applying a laser in ​​the tear or a cold treatment (cryotherapy). Once the retina has detached, the only possible treatment is retinal detachment surgery. The main objective will be to close the retinal tears and put the retina in place. a) Pneumatic retinopexy: an expandable gas is used to adhere the retina and close the retinal break later, it is ambulatory, under topical anesthesia and in aseptic conditions. It will close the break after 24 hours with laser. b) Scleral or extraescleral surgery: an indentation of the sclera is created with the purpose of closing retinal tears, it is usually indicated in patients with uncomplicated detachments and the results are successful in 85-90% of cases. c) Pars plana vitrectomy: An intraocular approach is used, the traction of the vitreous is eliminated and the retina is repositioned, then retinopexy is performed with an endolaser.