PATIENT EDUCATION
Retinal Detachment: Symptoms & Urgent Treatment
A detached retina is a medical emergency. Fast evaluation and treatment can help protect vision.
Call immediately for warning signs
Seek urgent eye care for a sudden increase in flashes or floaters, a dark curtain or shadow, a new blind spot, or sudden vision loss. Retinal detachment is typically painless. If you cannot reach an eye doctor and vision is suddenly obscured, seek emergency care.
WHAT IS RETINAL DETACHMENT?
The retina must remain attached to function
The retina is the light-sensitive tissue lining the back of the eye. A retinal detachment occurs when the retina separates from the tissue that nourishes it. Without timely treatment, the detached area can lose function and permanent vision loss may occur.
Symptoms can begin with flashes and floaters and may progress to a shadow, curtain, or missing area of vision. Central vision may become blurred if the detachment reaches the macula, the part of the retina responsible for detailed vision.
THREE MAIN TYPES
How retinal detachments develop
Rhegmatogenous
A retinal tear or hole allows fluid to move beneath the retina. This is the most common type.
Tractional
Scar tissue on the retinal surface contracts and pulls the retina away from the back of the eye. This can occur with advanced diabetic eye disease.
Exudative
Fluid collects beneath the retina without a tear. Inflammation, vascular problems, or other eye conditions may be responsible.
Symptoms
- A sudden increase or shower of floaters
- Repeated flashes of light
- A dark curtain, veil, or shadow moving across vision
- A new blind spot or missing area of side vision
- Sudden blur or loss of vision
Risk factors
- Significant nearsightedness
- A previous retinal tear or detachment in either eye
- Family history of retinal detachment
- Eye injury or trauma
- Previous cataract or other eye surgery
- Certain retinal diseases, inflammation, or advanced diabetic retinopathy
DIAGNOSIS
A dilated retinal examination is essential
Your eye doctor examines the retina through a dilated pupil, including the far peripheral retina. Depending on the view and the suspected cause, retinal imaging or ultrasound may be used. The findings determine whether observation, laser treatment, or surgery is needed.
TREATMENT
Treatment is tailored to the retinal findings
A retinal tear that has not progressed to a detachment may often be treated with laser or cryotherapy. A retinal detachment generally requires a procedure to return the retina to position and close the break or relieve traction.
Laser or cryotherapy
Creates a seal around a retinal tear to reduce the risk of fluid traveling under the retina.
Pneumatic retinopexy
A gas bubble is placed in the eye and positioned against the retinal break, usually together with laser or cryotherapy.
Scleral buckle
A silicone band supports the eye wall and reduces pulling on the retina.
Vitrectomy
The vitreous gel and traction are removed. A gas bubble or silicone oil may be used to support the retina while it heals.
RECOVERY & OUTLOOK
Follow postoperative instructions closely
The expected recovery and visual outcome depend on the type and extent of the detachment, how long it was present, whether the macula was involved, and the treatment performed. Your surgeon may prescribe eye drops, activity limits, and a specific head position.
If a gas bubble is used
Follow positioning and travel restrictions exactly. Do not fly or travel to high altitude until your surgeon confirms that the gas bubble is gone. Tell any clinician or anesthesia professional that you have a gas bubble in your eye.
PATIENT EDUCATION VIDEO
Learn more about retinal detachment
This video is provided for general education and does not replace an examination or individualized medical advice.
THE EYE CENTERS
Do not wait on sudden vision changes
Call immediately for flashes, a sudden increase in floaters, a curtain or shadow, or sudden loss of vision. For non-urgent follow-up, you may request an appointment online.