How it happens
The retina lines the inside of the eye like wallpaper, held in place by gentle suction from the layer beneath. When a tear forms, liquid vitreous seeps through and lifts the retina off, and the detached area spreads. Less commonly the retina is pulled off by scar tissue, as in advanced diabetic retinopathy, or lifted by fluid leaking beneath it from inflammation or a tumor. The tear-related form is the most common and the one the warning symptoms describe.
Symptoms
A sudden increase in floaters and flashes of light, followed hours to days later by a shadow, curtain or gray veil moving in from one side of the vision, and blurred or distorted central vision once the macula is involved. There is no pain. Any curtain or shadow in the vision needs a dilated exam the same day. Go to an emergency department or urgent eye clinic immediately; you can also call us at (855) 456-2253 during office hours.
Who is at risk
- Highly nearsighted eyes, whose long shape thins the retina
- Eyes that have had cataract surgery, particularly with a complication
- A previous detachment in the other eye, or a family history
- Lattice degeneration and other thin patches of peripheral retina
- Eye injury, and some inherited connective tissue conditions
Patients at risk are told the warning signs at every visit and are examined promptly when they occur.
Treatment
Retinal detachment is repaired by a retina surgeon, and the choice of operation depends on the detachment: pneumatic retinopexy (an office procedure in which a gas bubble is injected to press the retina back and the tear is sealed with laser or freezing) for selected small detachments; scleral buckle (a silicone band around the outside of the eye that indents the wall to support the retina); and vitrectomy (removing the vitreous, flattening the retina and filling the eye with gas or oil), the most common repair today. Positioning the head for days afterward is often required so the gas holds the retina in place. Most detachments are reattached with one operation; some need more than one.
Our role
When we see a suspected detachment, we confirm the diagnosis and refer you promptly to a retina surgeon, usually for surgery within days, sooner if the macula is still attached. If we cannot see you the same day, go to an urgent eye clinic or emergency department. After repair we resume your routine eye care, including cataract surgery, which is commonly needed within a year or two of a vitrectomy.
Is this right for your eyes?
Nothing on this page is a diagnosis. Whether this is what is affecting your vision is decided by a full examination at one of our 4 offices: Pasadena, Huntington Beach, Woodland Hills and Beverly Hills.
About this content: This page was written with the assistance of AI tools and reviewed for medical accuracy by Dr. Bavand Youssefzadeh, DO. It is general information, not medical advice, and does not replace an eye examination. Individual results vary. Read our medical disclaimer.
