Retinal detachment

If you or a family member have been told you have a retinal detachment, it’s understandable to feel unsettled. Most people learn of the condition suddenly, and are advised to see a retinal specialist the same day. Here’s a clear overview of what’s happening inside the eye, what signs to look out for, and why urgent treatment matters.

What happens in retinal detachment?

The retina is a delicate layer lining the back of the eye. It receives light, turns it into signals, and sends those signals to the brain so we can see. If a small hole or tear develops, fluid can pass through and lift the retina away from its normal position, rather like wallpaper peeling off a wall. When this happens, the retina can no longer work properly, and vision in that part of the eye is lost.

The only way to repair a detached retina is with an operation to find the tear or tears and seal them. The aim is to reattach the retina so it can function again and prevent further loss of sight.

Retinal detachment

What does vision with a detached retina look like?

There are some common symptoms people notice when the retina detaches. Early on, you might see:

• Floaters: Tiny dark specks, lines, or cobweb shapes drifting across your sight
• Flashes of light: Often at the edge of your vision, especially in dim lighting

As the detachment progresses:

• A shadow or curtain coming across your vision from one side, above, or below
• Blurred or distorted shapes and colours
• A patch of empty or dark vision where the retina is no longer working

Colours and shapes can become blurred or distorted, and there may be an empty or dark area where the retina is no longer working. The eye itself usually looks normal from the outside.

What does the specialist see?

From the outside, the eye looks normal. Using special lenses and lighting, a retinal specialist may see:

• A greyish, folded area where the retina has lifted away
• The edge of the detached retina moving slightly with eye movement
• A tear or hole in the retina
• Fluid under the retina causing it to billow or ripple

Prompt examination by a specialist is important, because subtle changes can be detected before vision loss becomes permanent.

What causes a detached retina?

Several factors can increase the risk of retinal detachment:

• Ageing changes: The vitreous gel inside the eye naturally shrinks and can pull on the retina
• High myopia (short-sightedness): Longer eyes have thinner retinas, making tears more likely
• Eye injury: A blow to the eye or head can cause a tear
• Previous eye surgery: Such as cataract removal
• Family history: Having a close relative who has had a detachment

How common is retinal detachment?

It’s relatively uncommon, affecting about 1 in 10,000 people per year. However, the risk increases with age, significant short-sightedness, or a history of retinal tears in the other eye.

How is a detached retina diagnosed?

Diagnosis is usually straightforward and painless:

• Dilated eye examination: Special drops widen the pupil so the specialist can examine the retina in detail
• OCT scan: High-resolution imaging of the retina
• Ultrasound: Sometimes used if the view inside the eye is unclear

Can a detached retina be fixed?

Retinal detachment can be treated successfully in most cases. Treatment involves closing the tear and reattaching the retina, either by:

• Vitrectomy: Working inside the eye to remove the jelly-like fluid and place a small gas bubble to support the retina while it heals
• Scleral buckle: Placing a tiny piece of silicone on the outside of the eye to support the retina from the outside

Your specialist will recommend the most suitable option.

What happens if it’s not treated

Without surgery, a detached retina will not improve. Vision in that eye will be permanently lost, and in some cases, the other eye may also be at increased risk.

How to prevent retinal detachment?

While you can’t prevent retinal detachment, you can reduce risks:

• Have regular eye checks if you’re short-sighted or have a family history
• Protect your eyes during sport or work that risks injury
• Report new flashes, floaters, or shadows immediately

There’s no proven way to ‘strengthen’ the retina naturally, but healthy lifestyle choices, such as managing diabetes, controlling blood pressure, and avoiding smoking, can help protect overall eye health.

Living with the diagnosis

If you’re waiting to see a specialist:

• Avoid strenuous activity and heavy lifting
• Try to keep your head in a comfortable position. In some cases, your doctor may advise a specific posture
• Avoid driving until you’ve been told it’s safe

Many people go on to recover useful vision after surgery, especially if treatment is prompt.

Always ready when you need us

If you or a family member have recently been diagnosed with a retinal detachment, you may want to know more about the operation and how it can help protect your sight. You can find a clear explanation of the procedure, recovery, and how treatment is arranged on our retinal detachment treatment page.