Retinal Detachment: Symptoms, Causes & Urgent Treatment

A retinal detachment is a serious eye condition where the retina separates from the back of the eye. It can lead to permanent vision loss if not treated promptly, but when detected early, outcomes are often very good.

Rapid access to specialist assessment allows early diagnosis and timely treatment.

What is a retinal detachment?

The retina is the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye that allows you to see.

A retinal detachment occurs when:

  • the retina lifts away from its normal position

  • fluid passes underneath it

  • the retinal cells are then no longer able to function properly

If untreated, this can lead to progressive and permanent vision loss.

What are the symptoms of a retinal detachment?

Retinal detachment is usually painless, but symptoms often develop suddenly.

You should seek urgent eye assessment if you notice:

  • A sudden increase in floaters

  • Flashes of light (especially in the dark)

  • A shadow or curtain coming across your vision

  • Sudden blurring or loss of vision

👉 These symptoms often begin before a detachment fully develops, which is why early assessment is critical.

Diagram showing the retina separating from the back of the eye in a retinal detachment.

What causes a retinal detachment?

The most common type is a rhegmatogenous retinal detachment, which occurs when a small tear forms in the retina.

This usually happens due to:

Fluid then passes through the tear and separates the retina from the underlying tissue.

Who is at higher risk?

You may be at increased risk if you:

  • Are (or used to be) short-sighted (myopic)

  • Have had previous cataract surgery

  • Have a history of retinal tears or detachment

  • Have previously experienced eye trauma

  • Have a family history of retinal detachment

How is a retinal detachment diagnosed?

A detailed retinal examination is required.

This typically includes:

  • Dilated examination of the retina

  • Careful assessment for retinal tears or detachment

  • Retinal imaging where appropriate

Early detection of a retinal tear can allow treatment before a detachment develops.

What is the treatment for a retinal detachment?

Treatment depends on whether a tear or a full detachment is present:

Retinal tear (before detachment)

If detected early, a retinal tear can often be treated using:

Laser retinopexy

  • Seals the tear

  • Prevents fluid from passing underneath the retina

  • Usually performed as a day-case procedure

This can prevent progression to retinal detachment.

Retinal detachment

If a detachment has occurred, surgery is required. Options include:

Vitrectomy:

  • Removal of the vitreous gel

  • Relief of traction on the retina

  • Laser or freezing treatment (cryotherapy)

  • The retina is reattached using gas or silicone oil

Scleral buckle

  • A silicone band is placed around the eye

  • Supports the retina and relieves traction

Pneumatic retinopexy (selected cases)

  • Gas bubble injected into the eye

  • Combined with laser or freezing treatment (cryotherapy)

  • Requires specific head positioning after treatment

The most appropriate treatment depends on the type, size, and location of the detachment.

What is the recovery like?

Recovery depends on:

  • the type of surgery

  • whether the macula was involved

  • how quickly treatment was performed

If a gas bubble is used, your vision will be blurred while the bubble is present. You may be asked to posture in a specific position after surgery, and you must not fly or travel to high altitude until the gas bubble has fully disappeared.

After surgery, patients usually need eye drops for several weeks and a series of follow-up visits to monitor healing, eye pressure, and retinal stability.

The final visual outcome depends on several factors, especially whether the macula — the central part of the retina — was still attached at the time of surgery. If the macula is still attached, the aim is to preserve good vision. If the macula has detached, the retina can often still be repaired, but recovery of central vision may be incomplete.

What results can I expect after retinal detachment surgery?

Retinal detachment surgery is usually successful, with the retina remaining reattached after one operation in around 90% of cases. However, some patients require more than one procedure, particularly if there is further tearing, persistent fluid, bleeding, or scarring on the retina. A small minority of patients develop a type of scarring on the retina, known as proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR), which can make treatment more difficult. In a small number of cases, despite appropriate surgery, the retina may not fully reattach or vision may remain limited.

The final vision depends on several factors, including how long the retina was detached and whether the macula — the central part of the retina responsible for detailed vision — was involved. If the macula is still attached, surgery aims to preserve central vision. If the macula has detached, surgery can often reattach the retina, but the final vision may not return completely to normal. Outcomes are generally very good when treated early. This is why prompt assessment is critical.

When should you seek urgent care?

You should seek urgent assessment if you experience:

  • New or sudden floaters

  • Flashes of light

  • A shadow or curtain in your vision

  • Sudden loss of vision

Even if symptoms seem mild, it is safer to have your retina examined.

Concerned about possible retinal detachment?

A retinal examination can quickly determine whether everything is safe, and early assessment can make a significant difference to visual outcomes.: Book an appointment for a detailed eye assessment in Singapore.

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Further information

For a detailed explanation of floaters and when to worry, read our full guide here.