A retinal detachment is considered an emergency and needs to be assessed and treated promptly. If left untreated, it may cause permanent loss of vision.

Most retinal detachments happen as a result of a tear or hole in the retina, allowing fluid to accumulate underneath the retina causing the retina to detach.

To diagnose a retinal detachment, your ophthalmologist will review your symptoms and perform a comprehensive eye examination. This includes a dilated eye exam, vision testing, an OCT (optical coherence tomography), and a slip-lap examination. If other testing is required, we will do this on the day.

Symptoms of retinal detachment can include

• floaters
• flashes of light
• dark shadow or grey curtain across your vision

Treatment

Treatment for retinal detachment often involves surgery to reattach the retina. The specific procedure will depend on the severity and location of the detachment.

The sooner this surgery is performed, the better the results are likely to be. A retinal detachment will not resolve on its own.