What is Retinal Detachment (Detached Retina)? Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Retinal detachment is a serious eye condition where the retina, a layer of tissue at the back of the eye involved in visual processing, becomes separated from its underlying supportive tissue. This can lead to severe vision loss if not promptly treated.

Retinal detachment can be caused by a variety of factors including aging, eye injuries, complications from eye surgery, and conditions like diabetes or severe myopia (nearsightedness).

Common symptoms include a sudden appearance of floaters (small dark shapes) in your vision, flashes of light, blurred vision, and a shadow or curtain effect over part of your visual field.

Retinal detachment is typically not painful. However, the visual symptoms can be alarming and require immediate medical attention.

Yes, retinal detachment can lead to permanent vision loss or blindness if not treated promptly. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial.

Diagnosis usually involves a thorough eye examination, possibly including tests like ultrasound imaging of the eye or optical coherence tomography (OCT).

Treatment options include laser surgery, freezing treatment (cryotherapy), pneumatic retinopexy (a gas bubble injection), and more extensive surgical procedures like scleral buckle surgery or vitrectomy.

Retinal detachment is a medical emergency. If you experience symptoms, you should visit an eye care professional or A&E immediately.

While not common, it is possible for retinal detachment to occur in both eyes. Individuals who have had a detachment in one eye should be vigilant about any symptoms in the other eye.

Risk factors include being over 50 years old, having a history of eye injuries or diseases, previous eye surgery, high myopia, and family history of retinal detachment.

While you can't always prevent retinal detachment, regular eye exams can help detect early changes to the retina. Protecting your eyes from injury and managing underlying health conditions can also reduce the risk.

Recovery time can vary, but generally, it may take several weeks to months for full recovery. Vision may continue to improve for up to a year.

Many people regain some or all of their vision after surgery, but it depends on the severity of the detachment and how quickly treatment was administered.

If you experience symptoms like sudden floaters, flashes of light, or a shadow over your vision, seek immediate medical attention from an eye care professional or the nearest A&E department.

Your doctor will provide specific advice, but you may need to avoid heavy lifting, straining, or high-impact activities for a certain period while your eye heals.