Retina
What is a retinal detachment?
A retinal detachment happens when the retina lifts away from the wall of the eye and loses its blood supply. It is painless and typically causes a curtain or shadow spreading across the vision, often after new flashes and floaters. It is a sight threatening emergency. Surgical repair is needed, and the sooner it happens the better the outlook.
How it happens
Most detachments begin with a tear in the retina. Fluid from inside the eye passes through the tear and separates the retina from the layer that supplies it with oxygen. The affected part of the retina stops working, producing a dark area in the field of vision that grows as the detachment extends.
Detachment can also occur when scar tissue pulls the retina, which happens in advanced diabetic eye disease, or when fluid collects underneath it because of inflammation or another condition.
Warning symptoms
- A curtain, veil or shadow coming across the vision from the side, above or below
- A sudden shower of floaters or repeated flashes of light
- Loss of part of the field of vision, without pain
- Central vision dropping once the detachment reaches the macula
Treatment
Repair is surgical. Depending on the type of detachment this may involve vitrectomy, a scleral buckle, or injection of a gas bubble, with laser or freezing treatment to seal the tear. Surgery aims to reattach the retina and stop further loss.
How much vision returns depends mainly on whether the macula was involved and how long the retina was detached. That is why urgent assessment matters. Standard Eye Specialist Hospital assesses suspected detachment promptly and arranges vitreoretinal surgical care where it is required.
When to seek urgent assessment
- A spreading shadow or curtain in the vision, which needs assessment the same day
- Sudden painless loss of part or all of the vision in one eye
Frequently asked questions
- Can a detached retina heal by itself?
- No. A detachment does not reattach on its own, and delay allows more of the retina to lift and lose function.
- Will my vision be normal after surgery?
- Surgery usually succeeds in reattaching the retina, but vision often does not return fully, particularly if the centre of the retina was involved. Outcomes cannot be guaranteed.
Concerned about these symptoms?
Arrange an eye examination with our consultant ophthalmologist in Garki, Abuja.
Care at Standard Eye
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