Patient education: Detached retina (The Basics)

What is a detached retina? — 

This is a serious eye condition that causes vision changes. It can lead to vision loss and even blindness.

The retina is a layer of tissue at the back of the eye (figure 1). It sends nerve signals to the brain and lets a person see.

The retina can start to detach, or peel off the back of the eye, if:

●The retina gets a tear or hole, and the jelly inside the eye (called "vitreous humor" or just "vitreous") gets under the retina

●Fluid gets under the retina, such as from an infection or inflammation

●Scar tissue pulls on the retina

If this happens, the person can lose the ability to see from that eye.

A detached retina most often happens for no clear reason. But older age or getting an eye injury can raise a person's risk. The risk is also higher in people who are very "near-sighted." This means they can see clearly up close, but things at a distance look blurry.

What are the symptoms of a detached retina? — 

The most common symptom is seeing dark or floating spots (called "floaters"). These can look like:

●A spiderweb

●A large spot that comes and goes – It might look like a big fly.

●Many small black spots

Small floaters are very common. They usually do not mean there is an eye problem. But when they happen suddenly, become more frequent, or are very large, they can be warning signs of a detached retina. If a detached retina is not treated, it can lead to vision loss.

Other symptoms can include:

●Seeing flashes of light – The flashes might be easier to see at night or in a dark room.

●Losing vision – A person might not be able to see detail, or only see shapes.

Seeing floaters and flashes of light can also be a sign of a condition called "posterior vitreous detachment." This condition is fairly common. It is not as serious as a detached retina. But people who get a posterior vitreous detachment need to see a doctor regularly to make sure it does not become a detached retina.

Is there a test for detached retina? — 

Yes. To check for a detached retina, your doctor can do an eye exam and test your vision.

If the doctor thinks you might have a detached retina, you will need to see an eye doctor. They will do a procedure called a "dilated eye exam." For the exam, the doctor gives you eye drops that help them see inside your eye. Then, they look at your retina to see if it is detached. They will use special devices or lights to help them see your retina.

How is a detached retina treated? — 

If the retina is detached, doctors treat it right away. This can help keep it from getting worse and causing blindness.

Doctors can treat a detached retina by:

●Injecting a bubble of gas into the eye – This can push the retina back into place.

●Doing surgery – Doctors use different methods to put the detached retina back and hold it in place.

When should I call the doctor? — 

Call your doctor or nurse right away if you:

●Suddenly lose vision

●See flashes of light, large floaters, or many floaters

More on this topic

Patient education: Anesthesia for elective eye surgery (The Basics)