Retinal Detachment: Causes, Symptoms, Types & Treatment

Retinal Detachment: Causes, Symptoms, Types, Treatment, and Complications

anushka

22 August 2025

Eye Health

Introduction to Retinal Detachment

Retinal detachment is a serious eye emergency in which the retina — the thin layer of light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye — separates from its underlying supportive tissue.

This separation prevents the retina from functioning properly, leading to sudden vision loss if not treated promptly. Retinal detachment is painless but can cause permanent blindness if not addressed immediately.

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, retinal detachment affects about 1 in 10,000 people per year, most often in middle-aged or older adults, though it can occur at any age.

What Causes Retinal Detachment?

The retina is nourished by a network of blood vessels and supported by the vitreous gel. Retinal detachment usually happens when a tear or hole allows fluid to pass underneath the retina, separating it from the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE).

Common Causes and Risk Factors

Aging changes – vitreous gel shrinks and pulls away from retina
Retinal tears or holes – often from posterior vitreous detachment
Eye injury or trauma
Previous eye surgery – especially cataract removal
Extreme myopia (high short-sightedness)
Family history of retinal detachment
Inflammatory eye diseases

Diabetic retinopathy – new blood vessels can cause traction

Signs and Symptoms of Retinal Detachment

Retinal detachment is painless, but symptoms appear suddenly and may progress quickly.

Warning Signs:

Sudden appearance of floaters (black spots, threads, cobweb-like shapes)
Flashes of light in one or both eyes
Blurred or distorted vision
Shadow or curtain-like darkness spreading across the field of vision
Loss of peripheral vision
Sudden decrease in visual clarity

Pro Tip: If you experience any of these symptoms, seek immediate medical attention — early treatment greatly improves outcomes.

Types of Retinal Detachment

1. Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment

Most common type
Caused by a tear or hole in the retina
Fluid from vitreous space passes through tear, lifting retina away

2. Tractional Retinal Detachment

Caused by scar tissue pulling on the retina
Often occurs in people with diabetic retinopathy

3. Exudative (Serous) Retinal Detachment

No tear present
Caused by fluid buildup beneath retina due to inflammation, injury, or tumors

Stages and Progression

Initial tear or hole – often symptom-free until vitreous fluid enters
Partial detachment – early intervention possible
Total detachment – rapid vision loss, urgent surgery needed

How is Retinal Detachment Diagnosed?

An ophthalmologist performs a detailed eye exam using:

Dilated fundus examination – direct view of retina
Ophthalmoscopy – checks for tears, holes, and detachment
Optical coherence tomography (OCT) – detailed retina images
Ultrasound scanning – if bleeding obscures retina

Treatment for Retinal Detachment

Goal: Reattach the retina and seal any tears to prevent fluid leakage.

1. Laser Photocoagulation

Uses laser to create burns around the tear
Seals retina to underlying tissue
Effective for small tears and holes before detachment

2. Cryopexy (Freezing Treatment)

Freezing probe applied to outer eye wall
Creates scar tissue sealing the tear
Often combined with other procedures

3. Pneumatic Retinopexy

Gas bubble injected into vitreous cavity
Patient positions head to allow bubble to push retina back
Combined with laser or cryopexy to seal tear

4. Scleral Buckling Surgery

Silicone band placed around eye to press wall inward
Reduces vitreous traction and supports retinal healing
Used for large or complex detachments

5. Vitrectomy

Removes vitreous gel pulling on retina
Replaces gel with saline, gas, or silicone oil
Often used in tractional or severe cases

Possible Complications of Retinal Detachment

Without prompt treatment:

Permanent vision loss
Blindness in affected eye
Macular damage – loss of central vision
Glaucoma – due to increased pressure
Recurrent retinal detachment
Infection or bleeding after surgery

Recovery After Surgery

Vision improvement may take weeks to months
Gas bubble requires avoiding air travel until absorbed
Eye drops prescribed to prevent infection and inflammation
Regular follow-up visits essential
Avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activities during healing

Prevention Tips

While not all detachments are preventable:

Regular eye exams – especially for high-risk groups
Protect eyes from injury
Manage diabetes and other systemic conditions
Seek urgent care for sudden flashes, floaters, or vision changes
Follow-up after cataract surgery or severe eye trauma

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Is retinal detachment painful?
No, it’s painless, but vision changes are sudden and alarming.

Q2. Can retinal detachment heal on its own?
No—surgery is required to reattach the retina.

Q3. How quickly should I get treatment?
Immediately—delaying treatment increases the risk of permanent blindness.

Q4. Will my vision return to normal after surgery?
It depends on the extent of detachment and if the macula was involved. Early treatment improves chances.

Q5. Can both eyes be affected?
Yes—if one eye has had a detachment, the other is at higher risk.

Q6. How long is recovery after surgery?
Most people recover in 2–6 weeks, but full vision improvement may take months.

Q7. Who is most at risk?
People with high myopia, history of eye injury, previous retinal detachment, or diabetic eye disease.

Conclusion

Retinal detachment is a medical emergency that can cause irreversible blindness if not treated quickly. Recognizing early warning signs like sudden floaters, flashes, or vision shadows can save your sight.

With modern surgical techniques, most cases can be successfully repaired — but early diagnosis is critical. Regular eye check-ups, especially if you are in a high-risk group, can make the difference between saving or losing vision.

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Eye Health