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Retinal detachment

Retinal detachment is a serious eye condition that needs urgent care. Learn what causes a detached retina, symptoms and treatment.

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What is retinal detachment?

The retina is a layer of light‑sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. It receives light and turns it into electrical signals, which get sent to your brain to create the images you see. In some cases, the retina can get detached, cutting off the blood supply so the cells in the retina stop working.

Symptoms of retinal detachment

A detached retina is painless. Often, it happens quite fast (in just a few hours), but sometimes the symptoms come on slowly over a few days or even weeks. While it's not painful, it's normal to feel very worried about changes in your vision. 

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical help urgently. The sooner retinal detachment is treated, the better the chances of preventing sight loss.

  • Sudden increase in floaters – Floaters are usually harmless. But if you suddenly notice a lot more, it could be a sign of retinal detachment.

  • Increase in flashes – Brief flashes of light at the edge of your vision are common. But if you suddenly notice more, it could be a sign of retinal detachment.

  • A curtain or veil – If a dark shadow moves across your vision, it could mean your retina has detached. Go to A&E straight away.

  • Blurry vision ‑ Many people get blurry or distorted vision when their retina starts to detach. It will get worse over time.

An optician delivers an eye test to a customer

Do these symptoms sound familiar?

If you have experienced any of the symptoms mentioned above it's worth booking an appointment with one of our optometrists.

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Causes of retinal detachment

There are three types of retinal detachment, each with different causes.

  1. A hole or tear in the retina

    The most common cause of retinal detachment. Fluid can leak through the tear and lift the retina away from the back of the eye, cutting off its blood supply.

  2. Scarring on the retina

    Certain health conditions can damage the retina, so it forms scars. Over time, these scars can 'pucker' or bunch up, pulling the retina up and away from the back of the eye. This is known as tractional retinal detachment.

  3. Fluid leaks from behind the eye

    Rarely, leaking blood vessels can push the retina away from the eye wall. This is called exudative retinal detachment.

How is retinal detachment diagnosed?

If you have symptoms of retinal detachment, it's really important to get it seen by a doctor fast. The sooner it gets diagnosed, the better your chances of protecting your sight. Head to A&E to get your eyes checked if you have symptoms of retinal detachment. 

Can an optician detect a detached retina? 

While optometrists at Specsavers stores and other high street opticians can diagnose retinal detachment, we will always refer you directly to the hospital if we believe it's happening to you. This is because you'll need urgent eye surgery in a hospital operating theatre. 

There are a few methods eye doctors and optometrists will use to diagnose retinal detachment:

  • Dilated pupil exam ‑ An eye doctor at A&E or an optometrist will do a dilated pupil exam. You'll be given eye drops that make your eyes go wider, so they can see the back of your eye more clearly using a slit lamp microscope. After having these drops in, we usually recommend not driving until your vision has recovered.

  • OCT scan – An OCT (optical coherence tomography) scan is a powerful device that allows optometrists to view inside the eye. It lets them look at the retina and potentially see where it has pulled away from the back of the eye, or eye or see things like scarring on the surface.

  • Ultrasound – Uses sound waves to create a 3D image of your eye, helping spot retinal holes or fluid build‑up.

  • CT scan – A computed tomography (CT) scan uses X‑rays to create an image of the inside of your eye. This is most often used when a detached retina occurs after an injury.

Treatment of retinal detachment

If you have retinal detachment, you will need to go for urgent eye surgery. 

Treatment will normally depend on the extent of the detachment or tear. Surgical procedures can involve sealing any tears, reducing the pull on the retina, or moving it back into position for reattachment. Your optician or surgeon will be able to talk you through treatment options in more detail.

The earlier a retinal detachment can be treated, the greater the chances of restoring good vision. That’s why regular eye tests are so important. If you have any concerns about any symptoms you’re experiencing, come in and see us or your GP as soon as possible.

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Can I prevent retinal detachment?

It's not usually possible to prevent retinal detachment – it's generally caused by things outside of your control (such as getting older or your genetics). That being said, you can reduce the chances of it happening with some simple precautions. 

Regular eye tests can detect early signs, and are especially important if you're very short‑sighted or have recently had an eye injury. Wearing protective eyewear when doing sports or DIY can help. If you have diabetes, managing this can also reduce the risks of diabetic retinopathy.

Retinal detachment FAQs

Written by our experts for peace of mind

https://images.ctfassets.net/zcryw81f0g1x/5mrcuMDlru21b9LMMuIQn7/34dcf1c5e9fe3ed41c4ea4077537d61f/Ross_Campbell_Northallerton.jpg

Ross Campbell

BSc Hons MCOptom Prof Cert Glauc Prof Cert Med Ret

Ross is an experienced optometrist having graduated in 2007 from Bradford University. He is also ophthalmic director of Specsavers Swaledale with Northallerton & Thirsk, a pre‑registration supervisor, professional advancement consultant, and a WOPEC Lead Assessor. He has previously worked as Director of Optometry Advancement for Specsavers and as a columnist for Optician & ProFile magazine.

Related conditions

Not sure if this is what you’re experiencing? Explore some related conditions:

  • Floaters and flashes

    Seeing black dots in your vision, also known as floaters, is very common.

    Find out more

  • Blurry Vision

    Blurry vision is not an eye condition itself, it’s usually a symptom of an underlying condition or a sign that your glasses or contact lenses may need updating.

    Find out more

  • Diabetic Retinopathy

    If you have diabetes, you’re at risk of developing a complication of diabetes that damages the light‑sensitive layer at the back of the eye called the retina.

    Find out more

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Get expert eye advice

If you’ve noticed a change in your vision, or have experienced any symptoms mentioned above, it’s worth booking an appointment with one of our optometrists.

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