Detached retina, ophthalmoscope image. The area of detachment is seen at centre. The retina is the light-sensitive membrane that lines the back of the eyeball. If it is damaged, fluid may leak under it, causing part of it to come away from the rear wall of the eye. This causes visual field disturbances, including shadowing of part of the field, flashes of light and floaters", dark spots moving across the visual field. The detached portion of the retina can be reattached by laser surgery."