Retinal Detachment and Warning Signs You Shouldn't Ignore

The retina at the back of your eye is the canvas for your vision. It captures light and sends signals to your brain. And that's how you see the world. Now, imagine the retina starting to peel away — that’s retinal detachment. Without treatment, the patient could lose their vision.

Now, let’s explore the warning signs, probable causes, and treatments so you can protect your eyesight.

What Is Retinal Detachment?

Retinal detachment occurs when the retina separates from the layer of blood vessels that provides it with oxygen and nutrients. Think of it like wallpaper peeling away from a wall — without proper adhesion, it can’t do its job. When this happens, the retina can no longer function right. Permanent vision loss may occur without prompt treatment.

There are three main types of retinal detachment:

1. Rhegmatogenous: Caused by a tear or hole in the retina.

2. Tractional: Occurs when scar tissue pulls the retina away from its position.

3. Exudative: Due to fluid build-up behind the retina, it is linked to inflammation or other eye diseases.

What Causes Retinal Detachment?

The factors increasing the risk of retinal detachment are:

• Aging

• Genetics

• Family History

• Severe Myopia

• Eye Injuries

• Previous Eye Surgery

Age is the most influential factor in retinal detachment. That's because the vitreous, a gel-like substance in your eye, shrinks with age and can pull on the retina. Genetics and hereditary conditions can also play a role in your risk.

Myopia changes the shape of the eye, putting extra tension on the retina. Trauma may directly damage the retina, too. And last but not least, procedures like cataract surgery sometimes contribute to detachment.

Retinal Detachment Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

Retinal detachment often comes with clear warning signs.

So if you notice any of the following symptoms, seek urgent medical attention:

1. Sudden floaters

2. Flashes of light

3. A shadow or curtain blocking your vision

4. Distortion or blurry vision

Sudden Appearance of Floaters

Floaters are tiny shapes drifting into your visual field. They tend to look like:

• Dark spots

• Thread-like strands

• Cobweb patterns

Floaters occur when the vitreous gel inside your eye pulls away from the retina or when there is bleeding inside the eye.

Occasional floaters are common as you age. But a sudden increase could signal retinal detachment, especially if accompanied by other symptoms.

What information to provide to your ophthalmologist:

• How many floaters are you seeing? A sudden shower of them is concerning.

• Are they stationary, or do they seem to move when you shift your gaze?

Flashes of Light

Flashes, a.k.a. photopsia, can feel like seeing small sparks or lightning streaks. They may occur in a specific area or around your visual field, even in complete darkness.

These flashes happen when the retina is tugged or irritated, often by the vitreous pulling on it. Persistent flashes, especially when occurring with floaters, are a huge red flag.

What information to provide to your ophthalmologist:

• Are the flashes brief, or do they linger?

• Are they in your central or peripheral vision?

• Do they occur more frequently when you move your eyes or in low light?

• Do they always come from the same place, or are they randomly scattered?

Seeing a Shadow or Curtain

Another prominent and warning sign of retinal detachment is a "gray curtain" or shadow that starts in one area of your vision and gradually spreads. It can occur in the periphery (side vision) and move inward.

When the retina begins to detach, it cuts off the flow of blood and nutrients to some parts of the eye. Left untreated, the shadow can spread, leading to permanent blindness.

What information to provide to your ophthalmologist:

• Does the shadow stay in one place or grow larger over time?

• Is it blocking only part of your vision, or is it expanding into your central vision?

Blurriness or Vision Distortion

When the retina starts to detach, you may notice:

• Blurriness in one part of your visual field

• Straight lines appearing wavy or distorted

• Difficulty focusing on details, even with glasses or contact lenses

Because the retina is no longer properly aligned, it interferes with the eye’s ability to process images. The distortion may start small but can worsen rapidly.

What information to provide to your ophthalmologist:

• Is the blurriness constant or intermittent?

• Are objects appearing misshapen or smaller in the affected area?

Please note, that blurriness and vision distortions are not exclusive symptoms of retinal detachment. They are only concerning if you have other symptoms of a detached retina at the same time.

RELATED: When is Blurry Vision a Medical Emergency?

When to Seek Help for Retinal Detachment?

Any of these symptoms, whether mild or intermittent, are alarming. Retinal detachment is an ophthalmology emergency. Early treatment increases the chances of preserving your vision.

If you suspect retinal detachment:

1. Contact your ophthalmologist or an eye clinic immediately.

2. Avoid strenuous activity, as this can worsen the detachment.

3. Don't delay. Even a few hours can make a difference in the outcome.

Remember, your eyes don’t have pain receptors in the retina, so you may not feel discomfort. Pay attention to changes in your vision.

How Is Retinal Detachment Treated?

Retinal detachment is a medical emergency, but treatments are available. The treatment option depends on the severity and type of detachment.

The common and most effective retinal detachment treatments are:

1. Laser Surgery

2. Cryopexy

3. Pneumatic Retinopexy

4. Vitrectomy

5. Scleral Buckling

   
   

Laser surgery is performed under local anesthesia and is suitable for minor tears. It seals the retina in place. The most common laser procedures for retinal detachment are photocoagulation, pan-retinal photocoagulation, and focal laser therapy.

Cryopexy is a medical procedure of applying extreme cold via cryoprobe to the outer surface of the eye to freeze and seal the torn or detached retina back into place. It's only done by an ophthalmologist in a clinical environment.

Pneumatic retinopexy is about injecting a gas bubble into the eye to press the retina back into place. This minimally invasive procedure is usually done along with laser photocoagulation or cryopexy to secure the retina.

A vitrectomy removes the vitreous gel pulling on the retina and replaces it with a clear solution. It’s done under local or general anesthesia.

Scleral buckling is a surgical procedure. It's when the surgeon places a silicone band (the "buckle") around the sclera (the white part of the eye) to push the wall of the eye inward. Scleral buckling is suitable for complex retinal detachments.

In Summary...

Retinal detachment is a serious condition requiring immediate attention to avoid vision loss. Being aware of warning signs—sudden floaters, flashes of light, shadows, or blurry vision—can make all the difference in your reaction and outcome. Contact an ophthalmologist if you experience any concerning symptoms of retinal detachment.

Resources:

• At a glance: Retinal Detachment, National Eye Institute

✅ Medically reviewed

Checked by Atanas Bogoev, MD.