Retinal Detachment: A Vision-Threatening Medical Emergency

Retinal detachment occurs when the retina separates from the back wall of the eye. Because the retina is responsible for converting light into nerve signals for vision, separation deprives retinal cells of oxygen and nutrients. This can result in partial or complete vision loss, depending on the size and location of the detachment.

Retinal detachment is a medical emergency. In Canada, immediate assessment by an eye specialist is critical if there are sudden or unexplained changes in vision, as delayed treatment significantly increases the risk of permanent blindness.

Warning Signs and Symptoms of Retinal Detachment

Retinal detachment itself is painless, but warning symptoms often occur before the retina fully separates.

Primary symptoms include:

• 

  Blurred or distorted vision

• Sudden flashes of light, especially when looking to the side

• Partial loss of vision that appears like a curtain or shadow moving across the field of view

• Dark or missing areas in vision

• Sudden onset of floaters (black strings, specks, or cobweb-like shapes drifting across vision)

Any combination of these symptoms requires urgent medical evaluation.

Types and Causes of Retinal Detachment

There are three main types of retinal detachment:

1. Rhegmatogenous Detachment

• Caused by a tear or hole in the retina

• Fluid passes through the opening and accumulates behind the retina

• Most common type

2. Tractional Detachment

• Occurs when scar tissue on the retinal surface contracts

• Pulls the retina away from the back of the eye

• Common in individuals with diabetes

3. Exudative Detachment

• No retinal tear or hole present

• Caused by inflammation, injury, or abnormal blood vessel growth

• Can occur with inflammatory disorders or conditions such as Coat’s disease

Risk Factors

Individuals at higher risk of retinal detachment include:

• Family history of retinal detachment

• Posterior vitreous detachment (common with aging)

• Adults over the age of 40

• Severe nearsightedness (high myopia)

• Eye trauma or injury

• Diabetes

• Complications following cataract surgery

• Previous retinal detachment in either eye

Outlook and Recovery

Visual recovery depends largely on:

• How quickly treatment begins

• Whether the macula (central vision area) remains attached

Some individuals recover most or all of their vision, particularly if treatment occurs early. Others may experience permanent vision loss, especially if the macula is damaged or treatment is delayed.

Prevention and Early Detection

Although retinal detachment cannot always be prevented, risk can be reduced by:

• Wearing protective eyewear during sports, work, or tool use

• Managing chronic conditions such as diabetes

• Receiving regular eye exams, especially for high-risk individuals

• Learning the warning signs and seeking immediate care when symptoms appear

Early detection remains the most effective way to preserve vision.

Important Disclaimer

Educational Use Only
This content is intended for health education and first aid awareness in Canada. It does not replace professional medical assessment or treatment. Sudden vision changes should always be treated as a medical emergency and assessed immediately by a healthcare professional.