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Detached Retina

Detached Retina is where the inside layer (retina) of the eye detaches and, although symptoms can vary, commonly a dark shadow affects vision.

A retinal detachment is an emergency and needs to be assessed as soon as possible so your ophthalmologist can make decisions about your treatment. A retinal detachment can be repaired with surgery and most people can have a good level of vision after surgery.

Only 10-15 per 100,000 people have retinal detachment each year. They are rare in children and most likely to occur in people between 40 to 70 years old.

Three Main types of Retinal detachment:

  • Retinal holes and tears
  • Scar tissue
  • Fluid

Anyone can develop a retinal detachment, but you have an increased risk if you:

  • Are short sighted
  • Have had a trauma such as an injury or a blow directly to your eye
  • Already have detachment in one eye
  • Have a family history of Retinal Detachment
  • Had previous eye surgery in that eye
  • Have other conditions such as Diabetic Retinopathy

First signs and symptoms:

  • Floaters
  • Flashing lights
  • A dark shadow in your vision
  • Blurred vision

You may have symptoms but not develop Retinal Detachment, but there isn’t a way to tell what’s causing symptoms unless your eye is examined.

For further information or to arrange a visit to our support centre please call 01245 933572 or email info@support4sight.org.uk. Or visit the RNIB website www.rnib.org.uk

Detached Retina FAQs

A detached retina occurs when the retina (the thin-sensitive layer at the back of the eye) separates from the inside of your eye. This separation can lead to vision loss if not treated promptly.

A detached retina is usually caused by changes to the jelly inside your eye which can happen from ageing, trauma to the eye, or underlying eye conditions.

Posterior Vitreous Detachment (PVD) is a common age-related condition which can lead to retinal detachment. Find out more about PVD from RNIB.

Symptoms of a detached retina may include:

  • Floaters/small specks in your vision
  • A shadow or “curtain” in your vision
  • Flashing lights
  • Changes to your eyesight such as blurred vision or a sudden decrease in vision.

There is nothing you can do to prevent a detached retina, however it is more likely to happen if:

  • You have a family history of retinal detachment
  • You have had a previous eye injury or operation
  • You are short-sighted
  • You have already had a detached retina

Treatment typically involves surgery to repair the retina and reattach it to the back of the eye. The quicker the surgery is carried out, the better the results are likely to be.

Recovery varies based on the severity of the detachment, the type of surgery performed and the individual’s overall health. It could take between 3-8 weeks. You may experience blurry vision and your eye may be red and sore. You should avoid driving and flying until you have recovered.

Individuals who have had a detached retina in one eye are at increased risk of it occurring in the other eye. Regular eye exams and monitoring are crucial for early detection and treatment.

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