Retinal detachment is a condition that can cause permanent blindness if not treated quickly. It usually affects one eye.
The condition is a medical emergency. The quicker you receive treatment, the less chance there is of you developing blindness in the affected eye.
Retinal detachment happens when the light sensitive tissue at the back of your eye (your retina) tears away from the blood vessels that give it nutrients and oxygen. This can occur because of ageing, a direct blow to the eye or a medical condition.