Figure 1. Retinal detachment caused by a horseshoe-shaped tear. Image: Amaris5, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0. Source
What is it?
A retinal detachment happens when the retina, the light-sensing layer at the back of the eye, peels away from the wall of the eye. Usually fluid gets under the retina through a small tear. It often starts with new floaters or flashes, then a shadow or curtain spreading across your vision. A detachment is an emergency: the longer the retina is off, especially the center, the less vision comes back.
What do I do about it?
A detachment needs surgery, usually within a day or two. Depending on where the tear is, I may use a gas bubble injected in the office (pneumatic retinopexy), a vitrectomy in the operating room, a scleral buckle (a soft band placed on the outside of the eye), or a combination. More than 8 in 10 retinas are fixed with one surgery, and nearly all with a second if needed. If I use a gas bubble, you will need to hold your head in a certain position, and you cannot fly or go to high altitudes until the bubble is gone. I’ll go over the details with you before surgery.
When should I call?
Call my office the same day at 408-540-3559 if you notice:
- Vision getting worse, or a new shadow or curtain
- Increasing pain, redness or discharge
- Nausea or a severe eye ache
- Any concern while a gas bubble is in the eye
This page is for general education and does not replace an exam. Call Cai Retina at 408-540-3559 with questions.