# Retinal Detachment Source page: https://www.kudretgozistanbul.com/en/treatments/retinal-detachment **Author:** Opr. Dr. Nail Sönmez | **Medical Approval:** Op. Dr. Mehmet Ali Özdil | **Date:** 2026-09-09 > **Summary:** Retinal detachment is the separation of the retinal nerve layer from the pigment epithelium beneath it, usually after fluid leaks through a tear or hole. It is an emergency that does not heal by itself and can lead to blindness; once the retina has detached, surgery is the only treatment, and earlier surgery gives better vision. ## Quick Facts - **Vitrectomy Duration:** Between 30 minutes and 2 hours, depending on the case - **Anaesthesia Type:** Local anaesthesia (the patient stays in communication with the surgeon) - **Risk in the other eye:** 10% probability if one eye is affected - **Urgency:** The more advanced the detachment, the lower the surgical success rate --- ## What is Retinal Detachment? With ageing or degenerative disease the vitreous gel liquefies and separates from the retina (posterior vitreous detachment). This is usually harmless when the retina is intact, but sometimes the retina tears in one or more places; fluid enters the tear and lifts the retina, like damp wallpaper peeling off a wall. A detached retina cannot function. It can occur at any age, more often in middle age and older, and may be insidious if the visual centre is not involved. ## Causes and Risk Factors - Ageing (most important factor for spontaneous detachment). - High myopia: a high-risk group; the retina is structurally thinned and tears in thinner areas. - Family history of retinal detachment or retinal disease; frequent eye examinations are advised. - Eye traumas or injuries, previous eye surgery, diabetes and diabetic retinopathy, some genetic factors. ## Symptoms - Flashes of light with the eye open or closed; flash bursts. - Dark spots falling from above like soot or fly swarms; sudden appearance of many more floaters. - A grey-black curtain spreading from any direction in the visual field. - Blurring or loss of vision that does not clear with blinking. - Flashes and floaters do not always mean detachment, but an ophthalmologist should be seen as early as possible; with any of these, a retinal examination is needed immediately. ## Diagnosis - Dilated pupil examination of the vitreous and retina; slit lamp often shows cells in the anterior chamber and anterior vitreous. - Fundus examination reveals oval, horseshoe or half-moon tears; the detached retina looks puffy, white and moves with eye movements. - Ultrasonography when bleeding hides the retina; the FAQ also lists OCT. - Peripheral detachment narrows the visual field; macular detachment reduces central vision, in severe cases to hand movements. Eye pressure is usually lower than in the healthy eye. ## Treatment - **Tears without detachment:** some can simply be followed; thin or weak areas can be sealed with painless, in-office laser photocoagulation, which bonds the retina to the pigment layer and prevents fluid leakage. Laser only treats the current area, so frequent retinal checks are needed. - **Detachment:** surgery is the only treatment; the method depends on the number, size, location, shape and duration of the detachment. - **Vitrectomy:** used when tears are numerous, large, unusually located or undetectable, with other disease such as intraocular haemorrhage, when time has passed, or in giant detachments from diabetes or trauma. All vitreous is removed so the retina is not pulled. Second or third surgeries may be needed if the detachment does not fully resolve. - Delay allows adhesions in the retina that worsen the result. ## After Surgery - Some discomfort; flashes and floaters for a while. - With a gas bubble, the head may need to be kept prone for a while; no flying or high altitude until the gas disappears. ## Risks and Possible Side Effects Success rate is high with modern techniques; risks are unlikely and most are treatable. - **Re-detachment:** in a small proportion of patients, usually treated with a second procedure. - **Cataract:** may develop over time after vitrectomy, treated with cataract surgery. - **Temporary rise in eye pressure:** controlled with drops. - **Change in glasses prescription:** after some techniques, corrected with glasses. - **Infection:** very rare. - Untreated detachment leads to partial or complete, permanent vision loss. ## Price The price varies with the underlying cause and operation; the plan is set after a detailed examination. --- ## Frequently Asked Questions **Q: What causes retinal detachment?** A: Retinal tears, eye trauma, diabetic retinopathy, myopia, ageing and some genetic factors. **Q: What are the risk factors?** A: Advanced age, severe myopia, family history of retinal disease, eye injuries, previous eye surgery and diabetes. **Q: How is it diagnosed?** A: With fundus examination, optical coherence tomography (OCT) and ultrasonography. **Q: Can it be treated?** A: Yes. A retinal tear caught before detachment develops can be sealed with laser; once detachment has developed, the treatment is surgery. Success increases with early diagnosis and treatment. **Q: Can it recur?** A: Yes, especially if complications develop or new tears form. **Q: What happens if it is not treated?** A: The retina can detach completely, leading to permanent vision loss.