What is a retinal detachment? In most cases, retinal detachment is caused by a rip in the retina (i.e., retinal tear) from pulling of the vitreous humor. The torn retina then allows liquified vitreous humor to enter the space under the retina which causes a peeling away of the retina from its normal anatomic position. Retina that is separated from its attachment position does not function properly, resulting in a decrease or loss of vision. The symptoms of a typical retinal detachment like this, may be a sudden onset of floaters (caused by the retinal tear) and a curtain or veil like obstruction of sight. Retinal detachment is an emergency that is treated by a vitreoretinal surgeon. Nearly all ocular melanomas are associated with a retinal detachment. However, unlike the more common type of retinal detachment that starts from a torn retina, retinal detachment from a melanoma comes from abnormally leaking blood vessels from the growing tumor that exude fluid under the sub-retinal space, pushing the retina off from its normal position. We call this type of retinal detachment an "exudative retinal detachment". The larger the melanoma, the more exudative retinal detachment there may be. Repair of this type of secondary retinal detachment occurs most of the time by destroying the source of the leaking, that is, radiating the ocular melanoma.  Sometimes additional exudative retinal detachment may occur after the melanoma is treated when there is an inflammatory reaction from dying tumor. If you have vision in your melanoma-treated eye, and you have a retinal detachment, it is possible that a retinal surgeon can repair your retinal detachment to improve the vision in your eye. Ask your ocular oncologist, and ask for an opinion from a retinal surgeon if you think surgery might help your vision. Find out what is going on in your eye!  For Tara McCannel's resources (including webinar links and link to my book!), visit my website: https://seyhart.com/ocularmelanoma Welcome to Finding Your Way with Ocular Melanoma, a guide to understanding everything there is to know about your experience with this rare cancer. Learn through the lens of my knowledge and clinical experience as a physician expert and passionate patient advocate. The more you know about ocular melanoma, the better you will do, and the better you will live. Let's go! The content shared on the Finding Your Way with Ocular Melanoma podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information provided must not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. As a listener, you are responsible for your own health-related decisions and must consider consulting with a healthcare professional for personalized medical advice.  Tara McCannel MD PhD is a an ocular oncologist, vitreoretinal surgeon and co-founder of Seyhart Wellness. She is also the host of the Mind Body MD podcast where she shares her passion for holistic health and wellness.

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