Condition

Retinal Detachment

Also known as Detached Retina, Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment, RRD, Tractional Retinal Detachment, Exudative Retinal Detachment

Updated May 16, 2026For educational purposes only. Not a substitute for medical advice. See our terms.

Bottom Line

Retinal detachment is when the thin layer at the back of your eye peels away from the wall it normally sticks to. It is a medical emergency — without quick surgery, the eye can go permanently blind.

Retinal detachment is uncommon — about 1 in 10,000 people per year — but it is one of the most serious eye emergencies. The retina is the thin nerve layer at the back of the eye that turns light into the pictures your brain sees. When it lifts off the wall of the eye, the cells start to starve and die within hours to days 1.

The most common cause is a small tear or hole in the retina. Fluid from inside the eye seeps through the hole, lifts the retina, and the detachment spreads. Without surgery, vision in that eye is usually lost 2.

The warning signs are flashes of light, a shower of new floaters, and a dark curtain or shadow over your vision. If you have any of these, you need to see an eye doctor the same day — not next week. With prompt surgery, about 9 out of 10 detached retinas can be put back in place, and most people get useful vision back 3.

Symptoms & Warning Signs

These are medical emergencies. If you have any of these, see an eye doctor or go to the ER the same day, even on a weekend.
  • Flashes of light — like camera flashes, lightning, or a strobe, often at the side of your vision
  • A shower of new floaters — many new dots, strings, or cobwebs all at once
  • A dark curtain or shadow creeping across your vision from one side
  • Sudden blurry vision in part or all of one eye
  • Loss of side (peripheral) vision

Retinal detachment is usually not painful. The lack of pain can fool people into waiting — please do not wait. The longer the retina is detached, the less vision usually comes back even with surgery 3.

What Causes Retinal Detachment

There are three main types of retinal detachment:

  • Rhegmatogenous (most common): a tear or hole in the retina lets fluid get behind it and lift it off.
  • Tractional: scar tissue on the retina pulls it off the back of the eye. This happens most often in advanced diabetic eye disease.
  • Exudative: fluid builds up under the retina from inflammation, a tumor, or a leaky blood vessel — without any tear.

Things that raise your risk:

  • High myopia (very nearsighted) — the eye is longer than normal and the retina is thinner.
  • Age 50 and older — the vitreous gel naturally pulls away from the retina.
  • Past cataract surgery — the risk goes up for several years after surgery.
  • Past retinal detachment in the other eye — your risk in the second eye is much higher.
  • Family history of retinal detachment.
  • Eye injury — a blow to the head, eye, or face.
  • Lattice degeneration — thin patches in the retina, found on a dilated exam.
  • Advanced diabetic retinopathy — scar tissue can pull the retina off.

Treatment

Retinal detachment is almost always treated with surgery. The right surgery depends on the type and size of the detachment 2:

  • Laser or freezing (for a retinal tear only): a quick in-office treatment that seals around the tear before a detachment forms.
  • Pneumatic retinopexy: the surgeon puts a gas bubble inside the eye to push the retina back. You hold your head in a certain position for several days. Best for small detachments at the top of the eye.
  • Scleral buckle: a small silicone band is sewn around the outside of the eye to gently indent the wall and bring it back to the retina.
  • Vitrectomy: the surgeon removes the gel inside the eye, flattens the retina, seals the tears, and leaves a gas bubble or oil to hold the retina in place while it heals.

About 9 out of 10 detached retinas are put back in place with one surgery. Some need a second surgery. Vision after surgery depends most on whether the center of the retina (macula) was off before surgery and for how long 3.

After gas-bubble surgery, you cannot fly on an airplane or go to high altitudes until the bubble is gone. The gas expands at altitude and can dangerously raise eye pressure.

Common Questions About Retinal Detachment

No. A true retinal detachment will not heal without surgery, and it almost always gets worse over time. Even very small detachments need to be looked at right away because they can grow quickly 2.

Next Steps

  1. 1If you have new flashes, a shower of new floaters, or a curtain or shadow in your vision, go to the emergency room or call your eye doctor's emergency line now — do not wait.
  2. 2If you are very nearsighted, get a dilated eye exam at least every 1-2 years and ask whether you have any retinal thinning or holes.
  3. 3Tell your eye doctor about any family history of retinal detachment.
  4. 4Wear protective eyewear for sports, yard work, and home projects.
  5. 5After cataract surgery, mention any new flashes or floaters to your eye doctor right away.
  6. 6If you had a retinal detachment in one eye, ask your doctor how often to check the other eye.

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