Retinal Detachment
What Is Retinal Detachment?
Retinal detachment is a serious condition that occurs when the retina separates from the outer layers of the eye. As the retina separates, the supply of oxygen and nourishment normally supplied from the blood vessels is cut off.
Consequently, permanent and rapid vision loss can occur within a short amount of time. Retinal detachment is an medical emergency that requires immediate attention from an eye specialist.
Retinal detachment usually occurs after retinal tears have developed in the eye.
Retinal Detachment Symptoms
Symptoms of Retinal Detachment include the following:
Sudden increase in the number of floaters
Eye flashes or a “curtain” effect
Other Causes
There are also more serious causes of floaters in the eye, including:
•Inflammation in the eye
•Infection
•Tearing or trauma in the retina
•Traumatic injury in the eye
•Diabetic Retinopathy
•Hemorrhaging
•Eye Tumors
Anyone who notices a sudden increase in eye floaters should see an eye doctor to obtain a complete diagnosis.
Risk Factors
•Family history of retinal detachment
•Severe myopia
•Previous eye injuries
•Age (over 40 years old)
Retinal Detachment Symptoms
Symptoms of Retinal Detachment include the following:
- Sudden increase in the number of floaters
- Eye flashes or a “curtain” effect
Other Causes
There are also more serious causes of floaters in the eye, including:
- Inflammation in the eye
- Infection
- Tearing or trauma in the retina
- Traumatic injury in the eye
- Diabetic Retinopathy
- Hemorrhaging
- Eye Tumors
Anyone who notices a sudden increase in eye floaters should see an eye doctor to obtain a complete diagnosis.
Risk Factors
- Family history of retinal detachment
- Severe myopia
- Previous eye injuries
- Age (over 40 years old)
FAQ
While symptoms of floaters and Retinal tears are usually not painful, it will become a concern when untreated tears develop into detachment:
Retinal Detachment is a medical emergency which requires immediate attention from an Eye Specialist. This is where permanent and rapid vision loss can occur.
To avoid such a situation, consult an Eye Specialist when you experience ongoing symptoms in your vision.
Although it is uncommon, retinal tears or detachment can develop in both eyes at the same time. If symptoms arise in one eye, get prompt medical assistance to avoid complications in the other.
As local or general anaesthetic is utilised during retinal surgery, patients usually do not feel any pain. During the healing time, some may experience discomfort or minor pain.
No, a detached retina usually necessitates surgery. The detached piece of the retina may result in permanent visual loss if not treated promptly.
It is not possible to self-diagnose retinal detachment at home. Consult an eye care specialist right away if you notice symptoms such as flashes of light, increasing floaters, or changes in your vision.
Successful surgical techniques, such as scleral buckling or vitrectomy, may fix the retina and restore eyesight. However, the degree of healing differs from person to person.
A vitrectomy is a major surgical procedure. It includes extracting the vitreous gel from the eye and is used to treat disorders such as retinal detachment.
The eye may be a little inflamed, puffy, or painful following a vitrectomy. Vision may be blurry at first, but will improve as the eye heals.
While many people see great improvement in their vision after a retinal detachment surgery, others may still have persistent visual difficulties. The extent of recovery is determined by factors such as the extent of retinal injury and the timing of treatments.
Living with a detached retina without treatment can result in permanent vision loss. Timely medical intervention is critical for reattaching the retina and preserving or restoring vision.
Our Retinal Conditions Specialist
Dr. Wong Chee Wai
MBBS (Singapore), M.Med (OPHTH), FAMS (Ophth)
MCI (Singapore), PHD (UTRECHT)
Senior Consultant | Eye Surgeon
Sub-specialties: Retinal Conditions, Cataracts
Languages: English, Mandarin, Cantonese
Fellowship Trained Specialist
Former Consultant at Singapore National Eye Centre (SNEC)
Former Clinical Lead of the High Myopia Clinic at the Singapore National Eye Centre (SNEC)
Started the Surgical Retina Service at Sengkang Hospital
Former Assistant Professor at the Duke-NUS Medical School
- Dr Wong Chee Wai was awarded 3 gold medals for Best Candidate in Cornea
- and Refractive, Neuro-ophthalmology and Ethics in the Eye Specialists’ Exit exam
- Research Training Fellowship Award, National Medical Research Council (2017)
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