What Is Retinal Detachment?
A retinal detachment occurs when the thin, light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye (the retina) pulls away. This layer separates from the blood vessels that supply oxygen and nutrients. This condition interrupts normal vision function, and without treatment, the detached retina cannot function properly, leading to irreversible blindness.
Signs & Symptoms of Retinal Detachment
Retinal detachment does not cause pain, but it does cause noticeable changes in vision that worsen over time. Common warning signs include:
- Flashes of light in one or both eyes
- A sudden increase in floaters (dark spots or cobweb-like shapes in vision)
- A dark shadow or curtain moving across the field of vision
- Blurred, distorted, or decreased vision
- Loss of peripheral (side) vision
These symptoms can develop suddenly or progress over hours to days. If you experience any of these signs, seek immediate medical care. Retinal detachment is a serious eye emergency that requires urgent treatment.
Types of Retinal Detachment
There are three primary types of retinal detachment, each with distinct causes and risk factors:
Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment
This occurs when a tear or hole forms in the retina, allowing fluid to seep underneath and separate it from the eye. Age-related changes in the vitreous gel, high nearsightedness, eye trauma, or previous eye surgery can cause it.
Tractional Retinal Detachment
A tractional retinal detachment occurs when scar tissue pulls on the retina, causing it to detach. Diabetic patients with diabetic retinopathy often develop abnormal blood vessels that form scar tissue.
Exudative Retinal Detachment
This type is caused by fluid buildup under the retina, without a tear or hole. Macular degeneration, inflammatory diseases, or eye tumors can trigger it.
Who Is at Risk for Retinal Detachment?
Certain individuals are at higher risk of developing retinal detachment due to underlying conditions or lifestyle factors. You may be at increased risk if you:
- Are over 50 years old
- Have severe nearsightedness (high myopia)
- Have had previous eye surgery, including cataract removal
- Have a family history of retinal detachment
- Have had eye trauma or injury
- Have diabetes or inflammatory eye diseases
If you are at risk, routine retinal exams can help detect early warning signs before a detachment occurs.
Retinal Detachment Treatment & Surgery
Retinal detachment requires surgical treatment to reposition the retina and restore normal function. Our retina specialists use the latest techniques to provide effective and long-lasting solutions for each patient’s condition.
Surgical success rates for retinal detachment are high, but outcomes depend on how quickly treatment is received. The sooner the retina is reattached, the better the chances of restoring vision.