The retina is a thin layer of tissue lining the inside of the back of your eye. This vital structure converts light into visual signals that the brain interprets into images. A detached retina is an emergency condition in which the retina breaks off from its normal position, separating the retinal cells from the blood vessels that oxygenate and feed it to stay healthy. Here, the Mayo Clinic describes the warning signs, risk factors, and diagnosis, and treatment of retinal detachment to help you better prepare for such an emergency.*

Warning signs of a detached retina

Though painless, a detached retina will “almost always” show warning signs before it happens or has advanced. These signs include, among others:

• Sudden appearance of numerous floaters in your field of vision
• Light flashes in one or both eyes
• Blurred vision
• Gradually reduced peripheral (side) vision
• Dimming of vision overall

Mayo advises seeing a doctor immediately if you notice these signs, to avoid permanent vision loss.

Causes of a detached retina

There are several types of retinal detachment, each with a different underlying cause.

Rhegmatogenous (reg-ma-TODGE-uh-nus)

Rhegmatogenous is the most common type of retinal detachment. It occurs when a tear or hole opens in the retina, allowing fluid to enter and collect under the retina. As fluid pressure builds, the retina pulls away from the underlying tissue, getting cut off from their blood supply and causing vision loss. Aging is the chief cause of rhegmatogenous detachments. 

Tractional

Tractional detachments happen when scarring forms on the retinal surface, causing the retina to move away from the underlying tissue. This type of detachment typically occurs in people with conditions like uncontrolled diabetes.

Exudative

Exudate means to emit fluid through pores or a wound. In an exudative detachment, fluid builds underneath the retina without any retinal holes or tears. This type of detachment can occur from age-related macular degeneration (AMD), eye injury, tumors, or chronic inflammation.

Risk factors for a detached retina

As with glaucoma and AMD, risk of retinal detachment increases with age, in this case being over 50 years old. Other factors that increase risk of retinal detachment include:

• Prior retinal detachment
• Family history of retinal detachment
• Severe nearsightedness
• Previous eye surgery 
• Severe eye injury
• Other eye diseases (retinoschisis, uveitis, peripheral retinal thinning, etc.)

Diagnosing a detached retina

Two diagnostic methods commonly used to detect retinal detachment are:

• Retinal examination, wherein a special instrument is used for a detailed view inside the entire eye, revealing holes, tears, or separations 
• Ultrasound imaging, which may be used if there’s been bleeding in the eye that can obstruct view of the retina

If a tear isn’t found at the first visit, you may be required to return in several weeks to be sure a delayed tear hasn’t formed.

Treating a detached retina

Surgery is “almost always” used for treating retinal tears, holes, and detachments. Mayo recommends discussing your options with your eye doctor to determine what’s best for you.

Retinal tears

If retinal detachment hasn’t yet occurred, an eye surgeon may advise one of the following outpatient procedures to prevent separation and protect vision:

• Laser surgery (photocoagulation), in which burns made around the tear lead to scarring that typically binds the retina in position
• Freezing (cryopexy), in which a freezing probe applied to the outer eye surface creates a scar that secures the retina in place

Retinal detachment

Surgery is required for retinal detachment, ideally within days of a diagnosis. The type of surgery used will depend on factors such as severity of detachment. Common surgeries include:

• Injecting a bubble of air or gas into the eye (pneumatic retinopexy). The bubble pushes the damaged retinal area against the eye wall, preventing fluid from entering the hole(s). Freezing is used to repair the hole itself.
  
• Indenting the eye surface (scleral buckling). A bit of silicone is sewn to the sclera (white part of the eye) over the affected area. This indents the eye wall, relieving some of the pull on the retina.
  
• Draining and replacing eye fluid (vitrectomy). Any tissue pulling at the retina is removed. Air or gas may fill its place to flatten the retina. This eventually dissipates and the vitreous chamber refills naturally.

Visual recovery can take several months, but some vision may be permanently lost. Follow-up surgery may also be needed.

*Mayo Clinic Staff. (n.d.). Retinal detachment. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/retinal-detachment/symptoms-causes/syc-20351344