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Detached retina

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Illustration of retinal detachment

Illustration copyright 2001, 2003 Nucleus Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. http://www.nucleusinc.com

The retina is made up of two layers: the sensory retina and the retinal pigment epithelium, or RPE. The sensory retina contains light-sensitive nerve cells. The RPE is a layer of support cells behind the sensory retina.

In retinal detachment, the sensory retina pulls away from the RPE, and fluid builds up between the two layers.

Medical Review:
Last Updated: 09/14/2007