Retinal detachment

What is a retinal detachment?

A retinal detachment is a separation of the layer which lines the back of the eye (the retina) from its supporting layers. If the layers are not replaced quickly, the nutrients which keep the retina healthy will not be able to reach it and the cells will die. Signs of retinal detachment therefore require urgent medical attention.

Symptoms

Symptoms of a retinal detachment may include:

Flashes of light in your vision
A sudden increase in the number of floaters in one eye – it might look like there’s a cobweb floating across your vision
Appearance of a curtain veil or shadow obstructing a part of your vision

Without early treatment, retinal detachments may lead to permanent vision loss in the affected eye. It is important you seek care from your optometrist or report to the hospital’s emergency department immediately if you experience such symptoms.

Common causes

The retina is the light‑sensitive layer of tissue that lines the back of your eye. It’s responsible for receiving light and translating it into electrical signals to send to the brain, where it creates the images we see.

Sometimes the retina can detach from its position, separating from its blood supply that provides it with essential nutrients and oxygen. This is most commonly caused by a tear or hole in the retina, or sometimes after an eye injury.

Risk factors can include:

High levels on nearsightedness (myopia)
Increasing age
History of cataract surgery
History of injury or direct blow to the eye
History of a retinal detachment in the other eye
Family history of retinal detachment

Treatment

If your optometrist determines you have a retinal detachment, they will refer you to a specialist for further evaluation and management or depending on its severity, recommend that you immediately attend the hospital.

Treatment will normally depend on the extent of the detachment or tear. There are surgical procedures that involve sealing any tears, reducing the pull on the retina, or moving it back into position for reattachment. Your optometrist or ophthalmologist will be able to discuss treatment options with you in more detail.

The earlier a retinal detachment can be treated, the greater the chances of restoring good vision. That’s why regular eye exams are so important. If you’re experiencing any symptoms of a retinal detachment, you should seek care from your optometrist or report to the hospital’s emergency department immediately.

Next steps

We want to help you see clearly and keep your eyes healthy for as long as possible. If your optometrist detects any signs of an eye condition during your comprehensive eye exam, they will determine an appropriate management plan that suits your needs.

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Reviewed by Dr. Stephanie Kwan

Dr. Stephanie Kwan grew up in Toronto and completed her optometric training at the Illinois College of Optometry in Chicago. She is the optometrist partner at Specsavers Lime Ridge Mall. She is dual licensed and certified in both the United States and Canada to prescribe therapeutic pharmaceutical agents to treat and manage ocular disease. Dr. Kwan is also a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry.

Noticed a change in your eyesight?

If you have any concerns about your eye health, contact or visit your local optometrist immediately – even if you do not have an appointment.