Retinal detachment: Early signs you should never ignore

Retinal detachment: Early signs you should never ignore

Your eyes are extraordinary organs that allow you to experience the world in vivid colour, detail, and depth. But when something goes wrong with your retina – the delicate, light-sensitive tissue at the back of your eye – your vision can be at serious risk.

One of the most urgent and vision-threatening conditions is retinal detachment. This condition is considered a medical emergency, and if left untreated, it can lead to permanent blindness in the affected eye.

Understanding the early signs of retinal detachment is essential. Acting quickly could mean the difference between saving and losing your vision.

What is retinal detachment?

The retina is like the “film” inside a camera – it captures light and converts it into signals that the brain interprets as images. For clear vision, the retina must stay firmly attached to the back of the eye, where it receives oxygen and nutrients.

In retinal detachment, this fragile layer begins to separate from the underlying tissue. Once detached, the retina cannot function properly, and the longer it remains untreated, the greater the chance of irreversible vision loss.

Types of retinal detachment

Not all retinal detachments are the same. Understanding the types helps in recognising risks and guiding treatment.

  1. Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment

    • The most common type.

    • Caused by a tear or hole in the retina, allowing fluid from the vitreous (the gel inside the eye) to seep underneath and lift the retina away.

    • Often linked to ageing or severe short-sightedness.

  2. Tractional Retinal Detachment

    • Occurs when scar tissue on the retina contracts, pulling it away from the back of the eye.

    • Common in people with uncontrolled diabetes or other retinal diseases.

  3. Exudative Retinal Detachment

    • No tear or hole is present.

    • Instead, fluid builds up under the retina due to inflammation, tumours, or blood vessel problems.

Causes and risk factors

Anyone can develop retinal detachment, but certain factors increase the likelihood:

  • Ageing – People over 50 are at higher risk as the vitreous gel naturally shrinks and pulls on the retina.

  • Family history – A genetic predisposition may play a role.

  • Previous retinal detachment – If you’ve had it in one eye, the risk increases in the other.

  • Eye injuries – Trauma can cause tears or holes in the retina.

  • Severe short-sightedness (myopia) – The eye is longer in shape, stretching the retina and making it thinner and more fragile.

  • Eye surgery – Particularly cataract surgery.

  • Other eye conditions – Such as diabetic retinopathy, tumours, or inflammation.

Early warning signs of retinal detachment

Retinal detachment is usually painless, which is why recognising its warning signs is crucial. The following symptoms require urgent medical assessment:

Retinal Detachment

1. Sudden onset of floaters

Floaters are tiny specks, cobwebs, or shadowy shapes drifting across your field of vision. While occasional floaters are common with age, a sudden shower of new floaters can signal a retinal tear.

2. Flashes of light (photopsia)

Seeing flashes of light, especially in your side vision, may mean the vitreous gel is tugging on the retina – a warning sign of a tear or detachment.

3. Blurred, distorted, or reduced vision

If your normally clear vision becomes blurry or wavy, or if you notice difficulty seeing details, it could be an early sign of retinal trouble.

4. Curtain or shadow over vision

One of the most alarming symptoms is the appearance of a dark shadow or curtain creeping across part of your vision. This usually indicates that detachment has already started.

5. Loss of peripheral (side) vision

You may notice “tunnel vision” or that your side vision is gradually disappearing – another indicator of retinal detachment in progress.

Why does early detection matter?

The retina is highly sensitive, and once cells are damaged, they cannot regenerate. Delayed treatment often results in permanent loss of vision. The sooner treatment begins, the greater the likelihood of saving your sight.

Eye specialists consider retinal detachment an emergency – meaning you should seek care the same day you notice symptoms.

Diagnosis

If you experience symptoms, an ophthalmologist will perform a series of tests:

  • Dilated eye examination – Special drops widen the pupil, allowing the doctor to view the retina in detail.

  • Ocular ultrasound – Helpful if bleeding or cloudiness blocks a clear view of the retina.

  • Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) – Provides detailed scans of the retinal layers.

Treatment options

Treatment depends on whether you have a tear, a partial detachment, or a full detachment.

  • Laser photocoagulation

      • A laser seals small tears or holes in the retina.

      • Prevents fluid from passing underneath and causing detachment.

  • Cryotherapy (freezing treatment)

      • Freezes the tissue around a retinal tear to create a scar that holds the retina in place.

  • Pneumatic retinopexy

      • A small gas bubble is injected into the vitreous cavity.

      • The bubble presses the retina against the wall of the eye, allowing it to reattach.

  • Scleral buckle surgery

      • A silicone band is placed around the eye to gently push the wall of the eye against the detached retina.

  • Vitrectomy

    • Removes the vitreous gel pulling on the retina and replaces it with gas, air, or silicone oil.

    • Commonly used for complex or severe detachments.

Recovery and outlook

Recovery depends on the severity of detachment and the treatment method:

  • Vision often improves but may not return to normal.

  • It may take weeks or months for vision to stabilise.

  • Some people may require more than one surgery.

  • Activities like flying or heavy lifting may need to be avoided for weeks after surgery.

The key to the best outcome is acting quickly – delaying even a few days can mean the difference between saving vision or losing it permanently.

Preventing retinal detachment

While not all cases can be prevented, you can lower your risk by:

  • Having regular eye examinations, especially if you’re short-sighted or over 50.

  • Controlling diabetes and other health conditions.

  • Protecting your eyes from injury with safety glasses during sports or work.

  • Seeing an eye doctor promptly if you notice floaters, flashes, or changes in vision.

Conclusion

Retinal detachment is undoubtedly a frightening eye condition, but it doesn’t always have to lead to blindness if it is detected and treated promptly. The retina is extremely delicate, and once it detaches, every moment counts. Recognising the early warning signs – such as a sudden increase in floaters, flashes of light, blurred or distorted vision, a curtain-like shadow, or loss of peripheral vision – is absolutely crucial. These symptoms should never be ignored or dismissed as “normal eye changes”.

Acting quickly can make all the difference. With the right diagnosis and timely treatment, many patients are able to preserve their sight and return to their daily lives with confidence. Remember, the retina cannot heal on its own, which is why urgent medical attention is essential.

If you’re experiencing any sudden changes in your vision, contact Clarity Eye Surgeons immediately. Early treatment could save your eyesight.

Author bio 

Dr Parth Shah is a director and principal ophthalmologist at Clarity Eye Surgeons in Canberra, specialising in cataract surgery. With extensive training and experience, he is renowned for his expertise in the field. Dr Shah is dedicated not only to performing successful surgeries but also to patient education. His compassionate approach, combined with technical proficiency, has earned him the trust and gratitude of countless patients. He is a true advocate for eye health and a trusted name in the Canberra ophthalmology community.

FAQs

Yes, although it’s less common, people with risk factors may develop retinal detachment in both eyes over time, which is why close monitoring of the unaffected eye is important.

While retinal detachment itself is not directly inherited, certain risk factors such as severe myopia or connective tissue disorders can run in families, increasing the likelihood.

Most procedures take between 1–3 hours, depending on the severity and the type of surgery performed.

Many cases are done as outpatient procedures, but some patients may require an overnight stay depending on the surgery type and overall health.

Yes, in some cases, new tears or detachments can occur, which is why long-term follow-up with your ophthalmologist is essential.

Recovery time varies, but patients are usually advised to avoid strenuous activity, heavy lifting, and in some cases air travel, for several weeks.

Protecting your eyes from injury, controlling systemic conditions like diabetes, and scheduling regular eye check-ups are important lifestyle measures.

Yes, untreated detachment may lead to complications like proliferative vitreoretinopathy (scar tissue growth), glaucoma, or cataracts.

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