What condition involves a detachment of the retina from the underlying tissue?

The condition that involves a detachment of the retina from the underlying tissue is retinal detachment. This occurs when the retina, which is the light-sensitive layer of tissue at the back of the eye, separates from the choroid layer, the vascular layer beneath it that supplies nutrients and oxygen. This detachment can lead to vision loss if not treated promptly, as the retina relies on its connection to the underlying tissue for nourishment and support.

Retinal detachment can be caused by various factors, including trauma, the aging process, or pre-existing conditions such as high myopia. Symptoms may include the sudden appearance of floaters, flashes of light, or a shadow or curtain over part of the visual field. Timely intervention, often through surgical methods, is crucial to reattach the retina and prevent permanent vision loss.

In contrast, cataracts involve clouding of the eye's natural lens, macular degeneration primarily affects the macula leading to central vision loss, and glaucoma is characterized by increased intraocular pressure that can damage the optic nerve. None of these conditions involves the separation of the retina from its underlying structure.