Retinal detachment is when your retina, the thin layer at the back of your eye, peels away from the back of your eye. Before the retina detaches you may see flashes and/or floaters. You should contact your optometrist straight away if you notice:
If you cannot contact your optometrist, or if you notice a shadow spreading across the vision of one of your eyes you should get urgent attention, ideally from an eye casualty department at the hospital.
Your retina can become detached following a blow to your eye, for example from punch or a ball. You are more likely to have a detached retina if you:
Retinal detachment causes a shadow coming across your vision. Some people describe it as being like a veil or curtain. If you notice this you should go to your local eye casualty as soon as possible. If your local hospital does not have an eye casualty department you should go to A&E, but it is better if you go to eye casualty if you can.
If you have a detached retina you may need surgery to reattach the retina. This is usually done under local anaesthetic and you normally don’t need to stay in hospital overnight. After surgery you may have red, sore eyes and blurry vision. You may not be able to drive and may be told to avoid flying, depending on the type of surgery you have had. You should recover from surgery within two to six weeks.
Print, PDF or email page