Retinal Detachment: Types, Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Retinal detachment is a serious eye condition where the retina, the eye's innermost, light-sensitive layer, separates from the underlying supportive tissues. If not treated promptly, retinal detachment can result in partial or even complete and permanent vision loss

Types of Retinal Detachment

There are three types of retinal detachment:

Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment

This is the most common type and usually happens as people get older. It occurs when a hole, tear, or break forms in the retina, allowing gel-like fluid called vitreous to seep through and collect underneath the retina. The fluid pushes the retina away, detaching it from the back of the eye.

Tractional Retinal Detachment

This type occurs when scar tissue forms on the retina’s surface and contracts, pulling the retina away from the back of the eye. Diabetes is the most common cause of tractional retinal detachment. Severe diabetic retinopathy can lead to serious vision loss.

Exudative (Serous) Retinal Detachment

This is a rare type of retinal detachment. It happens when fluid builds up beneath the retina, even though there’s no retinal tear. It often occurs due to eye inflammation, vascular leakage, or tumours.

Retinal Detachment Risk Factors

Several factors can increase a person's risk of developing retinal detachment. These include:

• Ageing
• Severe myopia (nearsightedness)
• Eye trauma or injury
• Previous eye surgeries
• Family history of retinal detachment
• Previous retinal detachment in one eye
• Conditions like diabetic retinopathy or inflammatory disorders

Common Signs & Symptoms of a Detached Retina

Retinal detachment causes visual symptoms that may be painless but require urgent medical attention. Common signs and symptoms include:

• Sudden Appearance of Floaters – These are specks, dots, threads, or cobwebs that seem to drift across the field of vision.
• Flashes of Light (Photopsia) – These are brief, sparkling, or lightning-like flashes of light that commonly appear in the peripheral (side) vision.
• Shadow Over Part of Vision – This is often described as a dark shadow or curtain that moves across the top, side, or centre of vision.
• Blurred or Reduced Vision – Vision may become blurry or distorted, impacting your ability to perform daily tasks.
• Peripheral Vision Loss – Gradual or sudden loss of side vision may happen, preceding the curtain symptom.

How to Diagnose Retinal Detachment

Treatment options for retinal detachment depend on the type, size, location, and severity of the detachment, as well as whether the macula is involved. Common treatments include:

• Laser Surgery (Photocoagulation)

  – A laser beam is used to create controlled burns around a retinal tear, hole or detachment. These burns seal the retina, preventing fluid from entering.

• Scleral Buckling Surgery

  – This is a surgical procedure performed to push the wall of the eyeball towards the detached retina. A flexible silicone band is placed around the eye like a belt to relieve traction.

• Vitrectomy

  – This surgery involves removing the vitreous from the eye cavity. The eye is then filled with a gas bubble or silicone oil to hold the retina in place and improve the success of the procedure.

Post-Operative Care After Retinal Detachment Surgery

After undergoing retinal detachment surgery, patients must follow detailed care instructions for successful healing and the best possible visual outcome. These include:

• Limiting physical activity
• Taking prescribed antibiotics and pain relievers
• Applying anti-inflammatory eye drops
• Monitoring vision for any concerning changes
• Attending follow-up appointments

Why Choose Our Clinic for Your Retinal Detachment Treatment

At Eye & Retina Surgeons, we understand that retinal detachment is a serious eye condition that requires prompt and evidence-based intervention. We offer personalised, compassionate care delivered by experienced vitreoretinal surgeons in Singapore. Our specialists diagnose and treat complex retinal conditions, including all types of retinal detachment.

Contact our eye clinic today to schedule a consultation.

FAQs About Retinal Detachment