Retinal Detachment

Retinal detachment happens when the retina in your eye breaks loose from the tissue that holds it in place. Having a detached retina will make your vision worse. It’s usually painless, but it’s very serious. It can lead to permanent vision loss if it’s not treated right away.

The retina is a layer of tissue at the back of your eye. It senses light and sends signals to your brain to help you see.

Visit an eye doctor or go to the emergency room if your vision suddenly gets worse or you notice a lot of new flashes or floaters.

Symptoms of retinal detachment

Even though they’re very serious, detached retinas don’t cause pain. So, you won’t feel anything in your eye. Instead, you’ll notice sudden changes in your vision, including:

• Seeing flashes of light
• Seeing lots of new floaters
• Darkened peripheral vision
• A new dark spot or shadow covering part of your vision

Retinal detachment causes

Retinal detachment happens when your retina pulls away from its usual place at the back of your eye. There are three types of retinal detachment with different causes:

• Rhegmatogenous: This is the most common type. It happens when a small retinal tear allows the gel-like fluid that fills your eyeball to leak through the tear and collect behind your retina. Eventually, that added pressure behind your retina can push on it enough to cause detachment.
• Exudative: This is when fluid builds up behind your retina and pushes it out of place, but not because of a retinal tear. The main causes include leaking blood vessels or swelling behind your eye from a condition like uveitis.
• Tractional: This type happens when scar tissue forms on your retina. The scarring breaks the seal between your retina and the back of your eye, and your retina pulls away. This can be a complication from diabetes or a failed retinal detachment repair.

Risk factors

Factors that might increase your risk of retinal detachment include:

• Natural aging
• Previous eye injuries
• A biological family history of retinal detachment

Having certain eye or vision issues can increase your risk, too, including:

• Severe nearsightedness
• Posterior vitreous detachment
• Conditions that affect your retinas, like diabetes-related retinopathy
• Coats disease
• Cancer
• Eye conditions that cause inflammation

Complications of retinal detachment

Some types of retinal detachment should be treated right away, or you’ll have a very high risk of permanent vision loss in your affected eye. Don’t wait to see a healthcare provider if you have symptoms.

How doctors diagnose retinal detachment

An eye doctor can diagnose retinal detachment with an eye exam. They’ll dilate your eyes to see inside them.

Your eye doctor might suggest tests to take pictures of your retinas, including:

• OCT
• Fundus photography
• Ultrasound
• CT scan

Retinal detachment treatments

You may need surgery to reattach your retina, such as:

• Laser (heat) therapy or cryopexy: You’ll need this to repair any retina tears. An eye surgeon will repair a torn retina with heat from a laser or cold from cryopexy to freeze the retina in place. These treatments create a safe, intentional scar on your retina that will hold it where it should be.
• Pneumatic retinopexy: Your eye surgeon will inject a small gas bubble into your eye. This bubble will help seal the tear and allow your retina to heal. The bubble will absorb safely into your eye over time. You’ll need laser therapy or cryopexy after this treatment.
• Scleral buckle: Your surgeon will put a silicone band or sponge around your eye. This will stay there permanently to hold your retina in place. You won’t see or feel it.
• Vitrectomy: Your surgeon will remove your natural vitreous humor and refill your eye with a bubble of gas or oil. They’ll tell you which one’s better for you.

When should I see my healthcare provider?

Visit an eye doctor as soon as you notice any changes in your eyes or vision, especially if they develop quickly. Go to the emergency room if you suddenly lose some or all of your vision, or if you notice a lot of new flashes or floaters.

What can I expect if I have a detached retina?

You might have to keep your head still or lie face down after surgery. Your care team will give you detailed recovery instructions based on which procedures you needed.

Surgeries to treat retinal detachment are usually very successful. But it’s extremely important to get diagnosed as soon as possible. The faster you see an eye doctor, the better.

Your eye doctor will tell you what you can expect. It can depend on a few factors, including:

• The type of retinal detachment
• How soon you got treatment
• Your age
• How clear your vision was in the first place
• If you experience any complications after surgery