Retinal Detachment

Definition of Retinal Detachment

The retina is a delicate, thin, multi-layered membrane that lines the back of the eyes. The retina contains cells known as rods and cones, which are essential to sight. Retinal detachment is defined as separation of the inner layers of the retina (called the neural retina) from its underlying pigmented layers (called the retinal pigment epithelium, or RPE). The extent of retinal detachment will determine the degree and severity of vision impairment in any particular animal.

Causes of Retinal Detachment

Retinal detachment can be caused by several things. It can be a primary hereditary disorder, which usually is inherited through autosomal recessive genetic expression, but sometimes is inherited through incomplete dominant inheritance. The genetics of inheritance of this condition are beyond the scope of this article. Retinal detachment can also be secondary to an acquired intraocular (inside of the eye) abnormality. In dogs, severe retinal detachment is often congenital, which means that it is present at birth. Collies can develop a condition called collie eye anomaly, in which retinal detachment is present in up to 10% of affected animals. Older dogs can develop acquired retinal detachment as a result of systemic high blood pressure (hypertension) or other age-related conditions that develop over time. Acquired detached retinas can also be associated with trauma to the eyes, inflammation, infection, glaucoma, cataracts, cancer/tumors, intraocular bleeding disorders, ocular (eye) surgery and simply old age.

Prevention

Hereditary retinal detachment can best be prevented by not breeding affected animals or animals that are carriers of the abnormal gene. Veterinary eye specialists can screen dogs that owners are considering using for breeding and can register the results of that screening through the Canine Eye Registration Foundation (CERF). This process can help responsible, reputable breeders to remove dogs with hereditary forms of retinal detachment from the purebred breeding population.

Special Notes

Irreversible retinal degeneration can happen quickly after retinal detachment. This makes prompt diagnosis and treatment by a veterinary eye specialist extremely important in dogs with impaired vision.