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HomeHealth TopicEye Care and Vision

Retinal Detachment: 5 Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

Nishika Reddy, MDPatricia Pinto-Garcia, MD, MPH
Published on July 19, 2022

Key takeaways:

  • The retina is the part of the eye that sends signals to the brain so you can see images.

  • Retina detachment syndromes include sudden-onset floaters, flashing lights, or dimming vision — like a curtain or veil is over the eye.

  • Retinal detachment needs urgent medical attention and treatment with surgery.

Close-up of an older woman having her eyes examined at the optometrist.
miodrag ignjatovic/E+ via Getty Images

The retina is the back layer of the eye, and it plays an important role in helping you see. It converts light signals into electrical signals and then passes these signals to the brain so you can see. 

A 3D illustration of the eye highlighting the pupil, retina, and optic nerve.

A retinal detachment is when the retina peels off the back part of the eye. When this happens, your retina can’t do its job. This results in vision changes and a decrease in vision or even vision loss. 

About 28,000 people in the U.S. experience a retinal detachment every year. Some people are more at risk for it than others. While there’s no way to prevent a retinal detachment from happening, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk. And if it does happen, it’s important to get urgent medical attention to preserve your vision from this emergency. Let’s take a look at the risks for retinal detachments and vision changes you should never ignore. 

Types and causes of retinal detachment

There are three different types of retinal detachments. 

1. Rhegmatogenous detachment

Rhegmatogenous detachment is the most common type of retinal detachment. In this type, a tear or break forms in the retina. This lets fluid from inside the eye enter the back part of the eye, which pushes the retina away from the back of the eye. 

This type of retinal detachment is more likely to develop as you get older. People with a history of nearsightedness (myopia) or previous eye surgery are also at risk for this type of retinal detachment. 

2. Tractional detachment

Tractional retinal detachments happen when scar tissue pulls the retina away from the back of the eye. People are more at risk for this type of detachment if they have eye conditions, like diabetic retinopathy or sickle cell retinopathy.

3. Exudative detachment

Exudative retinal detachments happen when blood vessels leak or there’s swelling in the back of the eye. Both things can push the retina away from the back of the eye. People are more at risk for this type of detachment if they’ve had an injury to their eye. 

Certain medical conditions also increase the risk of this type of detachment, including:

What are the symptoms of a detached retina?

Early treatment for retinal detachment can prevent permanent vision loss. So knowing the symptoms of retinal detachment can save your vision. 

Five key symptoms of retinal detachment are:

  1. Flashes or sparkles of light in your vision (especially at the edges of your vision) 

  2. New floaters, especially if they’re large or you experience multiple at once 

  3. Gray or black spots in your vision that look like specks or cobwebs

  4. Shadows in your peripheral vision

  5. Dimming of your vision, as if a veil has been pulled across your eyes

If you experience any of these symptoms, call your eye doctor immediately. 

To check for retinal detachment, your eye doctor only needs to perform a dilated eye exam. So in just a few minutes you can find out if your retina is OK or needs treatment. If there’s a tear or detachment, they can treat you right away. 

How do you treat retinal detachment?

Eye surgery treats rhegmatogenous and tractional retinal detachments. An ophthalmologist can use different tools, like lasers, to reattach the retina to the back of the eye. 

If you have a medical condition that leads to exudative retinal detachment, you’ll need specific treatment for that condition. 

How long does it take to recover from a detached retina?

It can take between 2 to 4 weeks to recover from retinal detachment surgery. 

Recovery time after treatment varies from person to person. In general, if you had a larger part of your retina detach, or if your retina was detached for a longer period of time, your recovery may take longer. Other eye conditions that affect your retina can also increase your recovery time. 

How can you lower your risk of a retinal detachment?

You can’t change some risk factors for retinal detachment — like your age or your degree of nearsightedness. But there are some things you can do to decrease your risk of retinal detachment:

  • Wear eye protection. Eye injuries can cause retinal detachment. Always wear eye protection when working or doing activities that might put your eyes at risk. 

  • Consider alternatives to pilocarpine. Some eye drops, like pilocarpine, can lead to retinal detachment. These drops can treat glaucoma and presbyopia. If you’re using pilocarpine, talk to your eye doctor about the risks and benefits of these drops. There may be an alternative that can work well for you. 

  • Get regular eye exams. If you have an eye condition that puts you at risk for retinal detachment, stay up to date with your eye exams. Your eye doctor can make sure your retina is healthy and that there are no signs of early detachment, like thinning or tears. It’s also a good idea to get regular eye exams as you get older or if retinal detachment runs in your family. 

  • Follow up with your healthcare provider. Certain medical conditions, like diabetes and autoimmune conditions, can increase your risk of retinal detachment. Staying on top of your care will benefit your health and protect your vision. 

The bottom line

Retinal detachments are a serious condition that can lead to permanent vision loss. People can develop retinal detachments as they age. People who have a history of myopia, diabetic retinopathy, or eye injuries are at higher risk of developing retinal detachments.  

If you notice changes in your vision — like the sudden appearance of many floaters, flashes of light, or a dimming of your vision — see your eye doctor right away. Early treatment for retinal detachment can help keep your vision safe. 

References

Boyd, K. (2020). Face-down recovery after retinal surgery. American Academy of Ophthalmology.  

Boyd, K. (2021). Detached retina. American Academy of Ophthalmology.  

View All References (6)

Lazarus, R. (2021). Retinal detachment. Optometrists Network.  

Leveque, T. (2021). Approach to the adult with acute persistent vision loss. UpToDate

National Eye Institute. (2020). Types and causes of retinal detachment

National Eye Institute. (2022). How the eyes work

National Eye Institute. (2022). Retinal detachment

Patel, S. (2021). Retinal detachment. Eyewiki.

GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.

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