The retina is a thin layer of tissue in the back of the eye that acts like the film in a camera, if you will. An image is formed inside the eye and is focused by the lens and cornea onto the retina. This image is then sent to the brain via the optic nerve. If the retina becomes detached from it's position against the back of the eye, vision will be lost.

Retinal detachment can occur as a result of a variety of factors, such as; degeneration of the vitreous gel inside the back of the eye, trauma, inflammations or infections, secondary to tears or holes in the retina, scar tissue formation within the vitreous or secondary to cataract surgery.

Retinal detachment is a relative emergency and must be attended to in a prompt manner. For most retinal detachments in the dog, a complete vitrectomy (called a pars plana vitrectomy) must be performed, followed by flattening of the retina against the back of the eye and laser surgery to hold the retina in place. The vitreous gel is then replaced with silocone oil. This oil will remain inside the eye to hold the retina in place.

The Islington Animal Clinic is proud to be one of the few veterinary ophthalmology hospitals in the world to offer this surgery. If you think your pet may have a retinal detachment please see you regular veterinarian and/or your local veterinary ophthalmologist.