Understanding Retinal Detachment

Retinal detachment is a serious eye condition that occurs when the retina pulls away from its normal position. It can cause permanent vision loss if not treated promptly — making early diagnosis and urgent care essential.

Learn About Retinal Detachment

What Is Retinal Detachment?

The retina is a thin layer of tissue at the back of the eye that senses light and sends images to the brain. Retinal detachment occurs when the retina lifts or pulls away from its normal position.

Without immediate treatment, retinal detachment can lead to permanent vision loss. There are three main types:

  • Rhegmatogenous Detachment: Caused by a retinal tear or break that allows fluid to pass underneath the retina.
  • Tractional Detachment: Occurs when scar tissue pulls on the retina, often linked to diabetic eye disease.
  • Exudative Detachment: Caused by fluid leaking under the retina without a tear, often due to inflammation, injury, or disease.

Symptoms

If these symptoms occur, it is a medical emergency. Immediate evaluation is critical.

Retinal detachment often develops quickly. Common symptoms include:

01. Sudden increase in floaters (small specks or cobwebs in vision)

02. Flashes of light in one or both eyes

03. A shadow or curtain-like effect across part of the visual field

04. Sudden decrease in vision or blurred vision

  • Who Is More Likely to Experience Retinal Detachment

Risk Factors

Risk factors include:
  • AreAge (more common in adults over 50)
  • Family history of retinal detachment
  • Extreme nearsightedness (high myopia)
  • Previous eye surgery, especially cataract removal
  • Eye injury or trauma
  • Certain eye diseases, such as diabetic retinopathy

Diagnosis & Testing

Diagnosis is made through a comprehensive eye exam, which may include:

Dilated Eye Exam:

Essential for detecting retinal tears or detachment.

Allows the retina to be examined for tears or detachment.

Ophthalmoscopy:

Provides a clear, detailed look at retinal health.

Allows the retina to be examined for tears or detachment.

Ultrasound Imaging:

Provides clarity when the inside of the eye is obscured.

Useful if bleeding or cloudiness prevents a clear view inside the eye.

Treatment Options

Retinal detachment requires prompt surgical treatment. Options may include:

Laser Photocoagulation or Cryotherapy:

Seals retinal tears before a detachment spreads.

Pneumatic Retinopexy:

A gas bubble is injected into the eye to press the retina back in place.

Scleral Buckle Surgery:

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

Vitrectomy Surgery:

Removes the vitreous gel and replaces it with a gas or oil bubble to reattach the retina.

  • Recovery and Ongoing Eye Care

Living with Retinal Detachment

After surgery, vision recovery may take weeks or months, and some vision loss may be permanent. Patients can support recovery by:

Following all post-surgery instructions carefully.

Attending regular follow-up visits.

Protecting the eyes from injury.

Managing underlying conditions such as diabetes.

At Retina Consultants of Hawaii, we provide urgent care and advanced treatment to help preserve vision in patients with retinal detachment.

Next Steps in Your Care

If you experience sudden flashes, floaters, or a shadow over your vision, seek emergency care immediately. If a retinal detachment is suspected, your current eye care provider can coordinate specialized treatment with our team.

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