Symptoms of Retinal Detachment

Early warning signs can include:
 

• Sudden appearance of floaters (small dots or cobweb-like shapes in your vision)
   

• Flashes of light in your peripheral vision
   

• A shadow or curtain effect over part of your visual field
   

• Blurred or distorted vision

 
Another symptom of RD is a curtain-like effect or darkness moving across your vision. This curtain-like effect may come up from the bottom, down from the top, or move across your vision. 
 
Am I at Risk for Retinal Detachment?

Retinal detachment (RD) can affect anyone, but certain factors may increase your risk.

You may be at higher risk if:
 

• You or a close family member has had a retinal detachment
   

• You’ve had a significant eye injury or trauma
   

• You’ve had previous eye surgery, such as cataract removal

 
Certain eye conditions can also increase your risk:
 

• Diabetic retinopathy
   

• Severe nearsightedness (high myopia)
   

• Posterior vitreous detachment (PVD)
   

• Lattice degeneration – a condition where the retina becomes thin or weak in certain areas
   

If you have any of these risk factors, regular eye exams and prompt attention to new symptoms are important for protecting your vision.

How is Retinal Detachment diagnosed?

To check for retinal detachment, an ophthalmologist will perform a detailed eye examination. Special drops will be used to dilate your pupils, allowing the doctor to get a clear view of the retina. If there is bleeding inside the eye that blocks the view, an ultrasound scan may be used to help make the diagnosis.

 How is Retinal Detachment treated?

Surgery is the only way to treat a retinal detachment (RD). There are several surgical options, and your ophthalmologist will recommend the most appropriate one for your condition. The main goal of surgery is to stabilize the eye and prevent further detachment of the retina.

Surgery is often effective, especially when the RD is detected early. However, your vision may not fully return to how it was before the detachment. After surgery, you may continue to experience:
 

• Blurred vision
   

• Floaters (spots or threads that drift through your field of vision)
   

• Distorted vision (straight lines may appear curved or wavy)
   

• Partial loss of vision (dark or empty areas in your visual field)
   

Your ophthalmologist will provide guidance on what to expect after surgery and any steps you can take to support your recovery.
 
If not treated, Retinal Detachment will usually get worse and can lead to blindness.

Surgeries:

1. Vitrectomy

A small incision will be made to take out the vitreous fluid from the inner eye. Any scar tissue that is pulling on the retina will also be taken out. The vitreous will be replaced so the eye can keep its shape. 

2. Scleral buckle 

A scleral buckle is placed around the sclera (the white part of the eye) permanently to close breaks in the retina. You do not see or feel the scleral buckle. Cryotherapy (cold treatment) is then done to hold together the retina and the tissue below it. The eye will be numbed using a needle. A freezing probe will be placed against the eye, over the break in the retina. Fluid may also be drained from under the retina.

3. Retinopexy

A bubble of gas, air, or oil may be injected into the vitreous space with a needle. The bubble will push against the break in the retina and keep it in place. You may not be able to see through the bubble. 

Follow up after surgery for RD

Your follow up will depend on your ophthalmologist and the type of surgery you had. You can expect to be watched closely (usually one day, one week, and one month after surgery), to make sure your eye has recovered well.