Retinal Detachment

Understanding Retinal Detachment

A retinal detachment occurs when the retina-the thin, light-sensing tissue lining the back of the eye-pulls away from the underlying layers that provide oxygen and nourishment. When any portion of the retina detaches, that area can no longer process vision, creating a blind spot or shadow. Without prompt treatment, a detachment can lead to permanent vision loss.

Before a detachment occurs, many people experience warning signs such as flashes of light, a sudden increase in floaters, or a dark curtain or shadow moving across the vision. These symptoms often indicate a retinal tear, which can quickly progress to a full detachment if not treated early.

Because a retinal detachment can advance rapidly, immediate medical evaluation is critical. If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your eye doctor promptly or seek emergency care.

Symptoms of Retinal Tears and Detachments

Symptoms can occur suddenly and may include:

Seeing flashes of light in one or both eyes
A sudden increase in floaters-threads, dark spots, specks, or squiggly lines drifting across your vision
A shadow or gray curtain creeping across part of your vision
Darkening of your peripheral (side) vision

Some people notice only one symptom, while others may notice several. Retinal detachment is typically painless, which is why recognizing visual symptoms is so important.

Causes and Risk Factors

Retinal detachment can develop spontaneously, but several factors increase risk:

Nearsightedness (myopia), especially greater than –4.00
Aging, due to natural changes in the vitreous gel
Family history of retinal detachment
Previous eye trauma
Prior eye surgery, such as cataract surgery
Thinning of the retina (lattice degeneration)
History of retinal tears
Certain systemic conditions (e.g., Marfan syndrome, Stickler syndrome)

In the general population, the lifetime risk of retinal detachment is less than 1%, but this risk increases significantly when one or more factors above are present.

Diagnosis

A retinal tear or detachment is diagnosed through a dilated eye examination, allowing your eye doctor to carefully inspect the retina. Advanced imaging such as optical coherence tomography (OCT) or ultrasound may be used to evaluate areas that are difficult to see.

Prompt diagnosis is crucial—the earlier a retinal tear or detachment is found, the less invasive the required treatment is likely to be, and the better the visual outcome.

LaserVue uses state-of-the-art OCT technology to detect even very small or early changes in the retina so that action can be taken as soon as possible.

Management and Treatment

How Retinal Detachment Is Treated

Retinal detachments are managed by a vitreo-retinal specialist. Once a tear or detachment is confirmed, you will be referred immediately for treatment. The type of treatment depends on how extensive the detachment is and how long it has been present.

Common treatment options include:

Laser Therapy or Cryotherapy
Small retinal tears may be sealed using laser or freezing treatment, which creates a scar that helps prevent progression to a detachment.

Pneumatic Retinopexy
A tiny gas bubble is injected into the eye. The bubble rises and gently presses the retina back into place, helping seal the tear. Over time, the eye absorbs the gas naturally.

Scleral Buckle
A flexible band (scleral buckle) is placed around the outside of the eye to support the retina and keep the tear sealed. It may be combined with draining fluid from under the retina to help reattachment.

Vitrectomy
In more advanced cases, the vitreous gel is removed and replaced with a gas bubble to support the retina during healing. Your eye gradually replaces the gas with natural fluid over time.

The extent and urgency of treatment depend on how early the detachment is detected. Early intervention offers the best chance of preserving vision.

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