gilaxiaGetty Images Retinal detachment is a serious eye condition where the retina – the layer of tissue at the back of the eye that is light-sensitive – pulls away from the tissue surrounding it. Sometimes known as a detached retina, this is a serious eye condition that requires prompt treatment. Dr Roger Henderson looks at retinal detachment causes, symptoms and potential treatment options: What is the retina? When light enters the eye it is focused by the lens onto the back of the eye – the retina. The retina then produces an image that is sent to the optic nerve which transports the picture to the brain and we then ‘see’ that image. If the retina becomes damaged in any way, our vision is affected and any image is altered.