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Eye Condition

Retinal Detachment

Retinal detachment is a medical emergency in which the light-sensitive retina peels away from the eye's back wall, triggering sudden flashes, floaters, and rapid vision loss.

Woman undergoing eye exam with a slit lamp.

What is Retinal Detachment?

Retinal detachment happens when the light‑sensitive retina lifts away from the back wall of the eye, cutting off its blood and nutrient supply and putting central and peripheral vision at risk within hours.

Why Quick Action is Critical

  • No blood flow equals cell death in 24 hours or less.
  • Permanent vision loss occurs without prompt repair.
  • Surgery is the only fix for full‑thickness detachments.

Urgent Warning Signs of a Retinal Detachment

  • Sudden shower of floaters or black specks
  • Bright flashes of light in peripheral vision
  • A dark curtain or shadow creeping across your sight
  • Rapid, painless loss of vision

Emergency Treatment Options for Retinal Detachment

  • Pneumatic retinopexy uses a gas bubble to press the retina back into place.
  • Scleral buckle surgery indents the wall of the eye to relieve traction.
  • Vitrectomy removes vitreous gel pulling on the retina and replaces it with gas or silicone oil.

Early surgery greatly improves the odds of full visual recovery.

Reduce Your Risk of Retinal Detachment

  • Schedule yearly dilated eye exams, especially if you are highly myopic or have had eye trauma.
  • Treat retinal tears or holes right away with laser or cryotherapy.
  • Wear protective eyewear during sports and hazardous work.

Key Takeaway

Retinal detachment is an eye emergency. Recognize the warning signs, stay calm and still, and seek immediate specialist care to save your vision.

As is the case with all acute-traumatic conditions the sooner you are able to start treatment the better!

Rated 5 stars by 10,000+ Happy Patients

Retinal Detachment Patient Story

A real patient shares their journey with our treatment approach.

"Every time I’ve come here, the colors seem way brighter for many months after the treatment."

Retinal tears in her teens left Mariana with floaters, flashes, and washed-out color. After a week of micro-acupuncture her right-eye field opened by 30%, the flashes calmed, and colors came alive again, results so encouraging she says she will happily return every year for the rest of her life.

Mariana
Verified Patient

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions we get asked about Retinal Detachment.

Yes. If you have had a detachment in one eye, the risk in the fellow eye is several times higher than average, so regular dilated exams are strongly advised.


Most detachments are painless; the danger comes from sudden visual changes such as new floaters, flashes, or a shadow that moves across your vision.


Visual stabilization can take weeks to months, but most people resume light activities within 2–4 weeks, depending on the surgical method and your doctor’s instructions.


No. Air travel (and any change in altitude) must be avoided until the injected gas bubble is fully absorbed, because pressure changes can dangerously expand the bubble.


Re‑detachment is possible, especially within the first few months; prompt follow‑up appointments let your surgeon catch and treat any new problems early.


Follow precise head‑positioning instructions, avoid strenuous exercise, protect the eye from impact, and stick to all eye‑drop schedules to reduce inflammation and infection risk.


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