Retinal Detachment

Retinal detachment is a serious eye condition where the retina separates from its normal position (firmly attached to the eye wall)

This condition requires urgent medical attention as it can lead to permanent vision loss if not treated promptly.

During the detachment process, flashes of light may appear due to mechanical irritation, or dark spots may be seen if blood enters the vitreous.

Symptoms

Retinal detachment itself is painless, but it is important to pay attention to the following symptoms:

  • Sudden appearance of floating spots, “flies,” or cobwebs in front of the eyes
  • Flashes or streaks of light in the visual field
  • A shadow or “curtain” descending from the top or side of the eye
  • Distorted or blurred central vision, or shadows
  • Gradual loss of peripheral vision
  • Sudden loss of vision

Risk Factors

  • High myopia (nearsightedness)
  • Cataract
  • Viral infections
  • Endocrine gland disorders
  • Advanced diabetic retinopathy
  • Hypertension
  • Glaucoma
  • Previous retinal detachment in the other eye
  • Pathological changes in the vitreous
  • Hereditary factors
  • Sudden eye trauma from impacts, exercise, or stress
  • Age over 50 years

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is made after a thorough examination by an eye specialist, which includes:

  • Pupil dilation and examination of the fundus (back of the eye) to check for changes in the retina.
  • Additional examinations may be ordered, such as Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) using an OCT scanner, to create a 3D image of the eye that allows for the detection of even the smallest retinal abnormalities.

Treatment

To prevent vision loss, the retina must be reattached quickly. Treatment for retinal detachment should be performed as soon as possible after symptoms appear to preserve vision.

Treatment for retinal detachment is primarily surgical and involves several main methods:

  • Laser Therapy: Used only when there are retinal holes. Small tears that have not yet led to significant detachment are sealed. This stabilizes the retina and prevents fluid from entering beneath it, thus halting the progression of the detachment.
  • Pneumatic Retinopexy: Involves injecting gas into the vitreous cavity of the eye. The gas pushes the detached retina back against the eye wall. This procedure requires maintaining a specific head position for several days.
  • Scleral Buckle Surgery: The goal of this surgery is to externally block the retinal hole that caused the tear by fixing an episcleral silicone implant.
  • Vitrectomy: An internal surgery that drains fluid from under the retina, applies laser treatment to fix the tears that led to detachment, and involves a temporary gas tamponade or a long-term silicone oil tamponade.

The goal of these procedures is to preserve vision and can also restore lost vision in patients. The sooner the retina is reattached, the more effective the treatment and the better the visual outcome.

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Care

After surgery for retinal detachment, it is advisable to avoid the following activities:

  • Heavy physical exertion for 4-6 weeks
  • Contact sports for 1-3 months
  • Lifting heavy objects (over 5-10 kg)
  • Air travel if gas has been injected into the eye
  • Swimming for 4 weeks
  • Driving, until your doctor permits

Prevention

Not all cases can be prevented, but if you are predisposed to retinal detachment, the risk can be reduced by:

  • Regular eye examinations, especially if you are in a risk group.
  • Prophylactic laser therapy if risky retinal changes are detected.
  • Wearing protective eyewear during high-risk sports or activities.
  • Good diabetes control for diabetics.
  • Immediate treatment of retinal tears before they lead to detachment.

If any of the symptoms appear, or if you suspect you have a detached retina, contact us immediately for an urgent appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Retinal detachment is more common in advanced age (50+), and if you have a family history of the condition. People with high myopia, cataracts, viral infections, glaucoma, kidney disease, high blood pressure, or advanced diabetic retinopathy also have a higher risk of retinal detachment. Those who have experienced an eye injury are also at risk.

Retinal detachment is a condition that requires immediate medical attention. Any delay increases the risk of permanent vision damage. It is recommended to seek specialized help within 24 hours of symptom onset.

Air travel itself typically does not cause retinal detachment in healthy eyes. HOWEVER, if you have had surgery for retinal detachment and gas has been injected into the eye (as part of the treatment), air travel is absolutely contraindicated. This is because the gas expands with decreased atmospheric pressure and can cause a serious increase in intraocular pressure and eye damage.

The extent of recovery depends on several factors:

  • How quickly the detachment was treated
  • Whether the macula (the central part of the retina) was affected
  • The size and location of the detachment

With timely treatment and if the macula is not affected, the chances of full recovery are high. If the macula has already detached, even after successful surgery, permanent central vision damage may remain.

Recovery depends on the type of surgery: Full vision recovery can take 3 to 6 months. Patients typically return to normal activities after 4-6 weeks, but with limitations. If gas is used in the eye, head positioning must be maintained for 1-2 weeks.

Usually no. Retinal detachment itself does not cause pain. This is one reason why the condition can go unnoticed until it affects central vision. Patients more often notice visual symptoms like flashes, floaters, or loss of part of the visual field.

Yes, although simultaneous detachment in both eyes is rare. People who have had a detachment in one eye have an increased risk (around 10%) of developing the same problem in the other eye. Therefore, regular monitoring and immediate specialized help at the slightest symptoms are important.

No – you will only be able to drive when you receive explicit permission from your ophthalmologist, as legal requirements for minimum visual acuity must be met. Driving is generally not recommended for a period of 2-4 weeks after surgery. The specific period depends on:

  • The type of surgery
  • The speed of recovery
  • The quality of vision
  • The use of gas in the eye (which temporarily impairs vision)

If medical help is not sought in time, retinal detachment can lead to vision loss. This condition is treatable, but the effect of treatment depends on how quickly medical attention is received.

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