10705 Retinal Detachment

Overview

The retina is the thin layer of light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. It catches light and sends images to your brain. Retinal detachment happens when this layer pulls away from its normal position. This is a medical emergency because it can cause permanent vision loss if not treated quickly.

It is not very common, but it can happen to anyone. For every 10,000 people, about 1 will have a retinal detachment each year.

It can affect people of any age, but it is more common in people over 50, people who are very short-sighted, and those with a family history of retinal detachment.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Sudden flashes of light in one eye, often seen in the dark
• A sudden increase in floaters — small dots, lines, or cobwebs that drift across your vision
• A dark shadow or curtain that moves across your field of vision
• Blurred vision
• Painless loss of vision in part or all of one eye

Symptoms in children

• Children may not tell you about vision changes. Look for squinting, tilting the head, rubbing the eye often, or trouble seeing at school.
• If a child complains of flashes, floaters, or a dark spot, take them to an eye doctor the same day.

Symptoms in older adults

• In older adults, symptoms are the same as in other ages — flashes, floaters, and a shadow or curtain across vision.
• Aging can cause the jelly inside the eye to shrink and pull on the retina, so symptoms may start suddenly.

Causes

Main causes

• A tear in the retina, often due to the jelly inside the eye shrinking with age and pulling on the retina
• Fluid from the eye leaking through the tear and collecting underneath the retina, pushing it away
• An eye injury or trauma to the head or eye

Risk factors

• Severe short-sightedness (myopia)
• Previous eye surgery, such as cataract removal
• Family history of retinal detachment
• Eye injury
• Age over 50
• A history of diabetic eye disease

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• See an eye specialist or go to the emergency department on the same day if you notice new flashes, a sudden increase in floaters, or a shadow over your vision.

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you are over 50 or have risk factors like severe short-sightedness, it is a good idea to have regular eye checks with an optometrist or eye specialist.
• If you have any concerns about your vision, even without sudden symptoms, book an appointment with your GP or optician.

Diagnosis

A doctor or eye specialist will examine your eye after putting drops in to widen your pupils. This lets them see the whole retina clearly.

Tests that may be done

• Dilated eye exam — using a bright light and special lens to look at the retina
• Ultrasound of the eye — if bleeding or cataracts make it hard to see the retina
• Optical coherence tomography (OCT) — a scan that takes detailed pictures of the retina

What to expect at your appointment

The examination is quick and painless. Your vision may stay blurry for a few hours after the drops, so you should not drive. The doctor will tell you immediately if there is a retinal detachment and what the next steps are.

Treatment

Retinal detachment is almost always treated with surgery. The goal is to close any tears and reattach the retina. The sooner the treatment, the better the chance of saving your vision.

Self-care at home

• Follow your eye doctor's advice exactly after surgery
• Keep your head in the position your doctor recommends while healing
• Avoid rubbing or pressing on your eye
• Attend all follow-up appointments

Medical treatments

Treatments may include laser therapy or cryotherapy to seal small tears, or surgical procedures like scleral buckling or vitrectomy. The method chosen depends on the type and severity of the detachment. Your specialist will explain which approach is best for you. No medication can repair a detached retina, but eye drops may be given to manage pressure or inflammation after surgery.

When is surgery considered?

Most retinal detachments require surgery. In some cases, the operation is done urgently to prevent permanent vision loss. Your eye surgeon will decide the timing based on the area affected and the condition of your eye.

Living with this condition

After treatment, recovery takes time. You may need to rest your eye and avoid driving until your doctor says it is safe. Vision may be blurry for weeks or months, and it may not return to normal completely. It helps to have someone support you during the first few days.

Lifestyle tips

• Avoid heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, or contact sports until your eye specialist allows it
• Avoid swimming and exposing your eye to dirty water while healing
• Wear protective eyewear if you are at risk of eye injury

Diet and exercise

A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and foods containing omega-3 fatty acids supports overall eye health. Gentle exercise like walking is usually fine once your doctor agrees, but avoid anything that jars the head or eyes for several weeks after surgery.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Vision problems can be frightening and stressful. It is normal to feel anxious, frustrated, or low. If these feelings persist, talk to your doctor. They can help you find support, and many people manage well with counselling or mental health services.

Prevention

There is no guaranteed way to prevent retinal detachment, but you can lower your risk by protecting your eyes from injury and being alert to new symptoms. If you have risk factors like severe short-sightedness, regular eye checks are especially important.

Screening programmes

People with high-risk conditions, such as very high short-sightedness or a family history of retinal detachment, may benefit from periodic eye exams. Ask your eye specialist how often you should be screened.

Complications

If left untreated

• Permanent vision loss in the affected eye
• Loss of side vision (visual field loss)
• Damage to the macula, the part of the retina needed for sharp central vision
• Long-term structural changes in the eye, such as scarring

Long-term outlook

With prompt treatment, many people recover useful vision, though it may not be perfect. The most important factor is time — the earlier the repair, the better the chance of saving sight. Even if your vision is not fully restored, most people are still able to live independently with adjustments. Your eye specialist can give you a realistic and honest outlook based on your own situation.

Find support

External links open third-party websites. Ruqelo Health is not responsible for external content. Listing an organisation does not imply endorsement.