Retinal Detachment

What is retinal detachment?

Retinal detachment is a serious eye condition where the retina (the light-sensing layer at the back of the eye) lifts away from its normal position. When this happens, the retina cannot work properly, and vision becomes blurred, shadowed, or lost.

Common warning symptoms include sudden flashes of light, a shower of floaters, or a dark curtain coming across the vision. Retinal detachment is a medical emergency—early treatment is critical to save sight.

Treatment usually involves urgent eye surgery to reattach the retina and prevent permanent vision loss.

What are the risk factors for retinal detachment?

High myopia (short-sightedness)
Previous eye surgery, especially cataract surgery
Eye trauma or injury
Posterior vitreous detachment (PVD)
Family history of retinal detachment
Previous retinal detachment in the other eye
Weak areas in the retina (lattice degeneration)
Diabetic eye disease or advanced retinal conditions

Experience how retinal detachment affects your sight

What is the treatment for retinal detachment?

Main treatment options

Laser or cryotherapy (freezing)
Used for small retinal tears or very early detachments to seal the retina before it fully detaches.
Pneumatic retinopexy
A gas bubble is injected into the eye to push the retina back into place, followed by laser or freezing. Suitable for selected, smaller detachments.
Vitrectomy surgery
The most common treatment. The vitreous gel is removed, the retina is reattached, and gas or silicone oil is placed in the eye to hold it in position while it heals.
Scleral buckle surgery
A silicone band is placed around the outside of the eye to support the retina and close retinal breaks.

What causes a retinal tear or detachment?

Vitrectomy surgery for retinal detachment

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