Retinal Detachment

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What is retinal detachment?

The retina is a light sensitive layer of tissue that lines the back of the eye. It captures light and sends signals to the brain that result in vision. Retinal detachment occurs when the retina separates from the underlying tissue and stops functioning. When the retina detaches, partial or total vision loss occurs, depending on how much of the retina is detached. In most cases, the retinal detachment is caused by a retinal tear or hole.

Risk factors for retinal detachment

Anyone can experience a retinal detachment, but there are factors that increase your risk including:

Increasing age
Family history of retinal detachment
Short-sightedness (myopia)
Previous cataract surgery
Previous eye injury or trauma

Symptoms of retinal detachment

Retinal detachment is painless, but warning signs almost always appear before it occurs. Symptoms include:

Sudden onset of many floaters (tiny black specks in your field of vision)
Light flashes
Blurred vision
A curtain-like shadow or veil in your field of vision

Treatment

When a retinal tear or hole hasn’t progressed to a detachment, your ophthalmologist may recommend laser treatment (laser retinopexy). This is an outpatient procedure where a laser beam is directed into the eye to cause burns around the hole or tear, creating scarring that welds the retina back to the underlying tissue.

If your retina is detached, you will need surgery to repair it. Surgical procedures include:

Vitrectomy: the gel-like fluid at the back of the eye is removed from inside the eye and the eye is filled a gas or air bubble to push the retina back into place.
Scleral buckle surgery: a silicone band is sewn to the outside of the eye to push the back of the eye back into contact with the retina.

Popular Services

Laser Eye Surgery Melbourne

Multifocal and EDOF Intraocular Lenses

CN Lasik

Recovery and Visual Outcomes

Recovery and vision outcomes vary widely. The type of detachment, whether the macula was involved, and how quickly treatment occurred all play a role.

How Long Recovery Takes

Healing time varies by procedure. Some people notice gradual improvement over weeks, while others may take months to reach their most stable vision. If silicone oil is used, additional surgery may be needed later to remove it, depending on the surgeon’s plan.

What Vision Improvement Looks Like

Vision may improve gradually after reattachment, but it may not return to what it was before the detachment. Some people notice persistent distortion, reduced contrast, or blurring, especially if the macula was detached. The goal of treatment is to save vision and stabilise the retina, even when perfect vision cannot be restored.

Follow-Up and Monitoring

Follow-up checks monitor retinal stability, inflammation, and eye pressure. In some cases, cataract progression can occur after vitrectomy, and this is monitored over time. If you have ongoing eye care with the clinic, it may be helpful to review our doctors to understand the team involved in assessment, treatment planning, and follow-up.

Why Choose City Eye Surgeons for Retinal Detachment Care

When symptoms are urgent, care needs to be decisive, well-coordinated, and followed up properly.

Rapid Assessment Pathway

Retinal symptoms need timely triage and same-day assessment when warning signs are present. A clear pathway helps you get the right examination quickly.

Access to Retinal Surgery and Appropriate Imaging

Accurate diagnosis depends on careful peripheral retinal examination and appropriate imaging. Where surgery is required, treatment planning is based on the detachment type, macula status, and the safest repair strategy.

Clear Aftercare and Follow-Up Planning

Aftercare instructions and follow-up visits are essential to reduce complications and monitor stability. You will be given clear guidance on positioning (if required), drop use, restrictions, and warning signs.

Book an Urgent Retina Assessment in Melbourne

If you have flashes, new floaters, a shadow or curtain, or sudden vision changes, call immediately for urgent assessment via contact us. If symptoms are severe and you cannot be seen quickly, attend an emergency department.

When you come in, bring a timeline of your symptoms, a medication list, and any relevant eye history. Reviewing your appointment information can also help you prepare for what the visit may involve.

FAQs about Retinal Detachment

How quickly should retinal detachment be treated?

Retinal detachment is treated urgently. Timing depends on whether the macula is involved and the detachment features, but same-day assessment is recommended when warning signs appear.

Are flashes and floaters always a retinal detachment?

No. Flashes and floaters are often caused by normal vitreous changes, but they can also be a warning sign of a retinal tear or detachment. Because it can be hard to tell the difference without an exam, new or sudden symptoms should be assessed promptly.

Can a retinal tear heal on its own?

A retinal tear usually does not “heal” in a reliable way on its own. Treatment such as laser or cryotherapy is often used to seal the tear and reduce the risk of detachment, depending on the tear type and symptoms.

Will I regain full vision after retinal detachment surgery?

Can retinal detachment happen in both eyes?

Yes, it can. Risk is higher if you have had a detachment in one eye, have high myopia, or have certain retinal conditions. Ongoing monitoring is important if you are higher risk.

Why can’t I fly after retinal detachment surgery?

If a gas bubble is placed in the eye, flying or high-altitude travel can cause a dangerous rise in eye pressure. You can only fly once the bubble has fully resolved and your surgeon confirms it is safe.