The retina, a delicate tissue lining the eye's inner wall, includes the macula, crucial for central and color vision. Like a camera, the cornea and lens focus light onto the retina, converting it into neural signals sent to the brain.

As the vitreous within the eye ages, it may liquefy, causing it to detach from the retina, leading to floaters or flashes of light. Posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) is a normal aging process but may occur earlier in nearsighted individuals, those with a history of eye trauma or surgery, or inflammation.

Retinal detachment can occur if fluid passes through a retinal tear, causing separation from the underlying tissue. While not all retinal tears lead to detachment, early detection is crucial. Laser photocoagulation or cryotherapy are common treatments, often successful in preventing detachment. Surgical options like pneumatic retinopexy, scleral buckling, or vitrectomy may be needed for more extensive detachments.

The choice of procedure depends on various factors, including tear location and the presence of scar tissue. Vision recovery after surgery varies, influenced by factors such as the detachment's duration and its impact on the macula. While some vision improvement is common shortly after surgery, achieving the best vision may take months or longer.