Understanding retinal detachment

A true emergency — and treatable.

Retinal detachment happens when the thin light-sensitive layer at the back of your eye peels away. It's serious — but treatable if caught quickly. Every hour matters.

What's happening

Your retina is coming loose.

The retina is like wallpaper lining the back of your eye, converting light into signals for your brain. When it tears or peels away, the cells lose their oxygen supply — and start dying within hours to days.

Most detachments start with a small tear (often from shrinking vitreous gel pulling on the retina). Fluid sneaks through the tear and lifts the retina. Treated within 24–72 hours, vision is usually saved.

What helps

Here's the plan —
and why it works.

Small tear

Laser or cryotherapy

Seals retinal tears before they progress to detachment. Quick in-office procedure.

Localized

Pneumatic retinopexy

Gas bubble pushes the retina back. You'll need to position your head specifically for days.

Standard

Vitrectomy + gas

Removes vitreous gel and replaces with gas to press the retina back.

Some cases

Scleral buckle

Silicone band placed around the eye to push the wall inward and support the retina.

Common questions

Honest answers to common questions.

What does it feel like?+

Classically: sudden floaters ("a shower of specks"), flashes of light, a dark shadow or curtain coming across your vision. It usually doesn't hurt — which is why people delay. Don't.

How soon do I need treatment?+

As fast as possible. If the macula (central vision) hasn't detached yet, treatment within 24–72 hours usually preserves excellent vision. Once macula detaches, central vision recovery is less complete.

What's the treatment?+

Several options depending on the type. Pneumatic retinopexy (gas bubble), scleral buckle (band around the eye), or vitrectomy (removes vitreous). Our retina specialist chooses based on your specific case.

Will my vision be normal after?+

Depends on how quickly you were treated and whether the macula was involved. Early treatment: often 90%+ vision recovery. Delayed treatment: more variable. This is why urgency matters.

Can it happen in my other eye?+

About 10% chance within 5 years. Regular monitoring is important. Any new floaters or flashes in either eye: call immediately, don't wait.

A true emergency — and treatable.

Your retina is coming loose.

Here's the plan —
and why it works.

Laser or cryotherapy

Pneumatic retinopexy

Vitrectomy + gas

Scleral buckle

GO TO THE ER NOW IF

Honest answers to common questions.

We're here when you need us.

A true emergency — and treatable.

Your retina is coming loose.

Here's the plan —and why it works.

Laser or cryotherapy

Pneumatic retinopexy

Vitrectomy + gas

Scleral buckle

GO TO THE ER NOW IF

Honest answers to common questions.

We're here when you need us.

Here's the plan —
and why it works.