A detached retina is when the thin layer at the back of your eye, the retina, becomes loose. The NHS says it needs to be treated quickly to stop it permanently affecting your sight.
If you notice sudden floaters, flashes of light, a dark curtain or shadow across your vision, or suddenly blurred vision, get help from NHS 111 straight away.
Get help from NHS 111 if
- Floaters suddenly appear or suddenly increase in number
- You get flashes of light in your vision
- A dark curtain or shadow moves across your vision
- Your vision suddenly gets blurred
Treatment and recovery
If tests show your retina may be detached or torn, you will be referred to hospital for surgery, which usually stops your vision getting worse. For 2 to 6 weeks afterwards your vision may be blurry, your eye may be sore and red, and you may need time off work, not be able to drive, and need to avoid flying if a gas bubble was put in your eye. Most people return to normal activities. Call the hospital or go to A&E if pain, redness or blurriness gets worse after surgery.
Causes and risk
A detached retina is usually caused by age-related changes to the jelly inside the eye, called posterior vitreous detachment. The NHS says it is more likely if you are short-sighted, have had an eye operation such as cataract surgery, have had an eye injury, or have a family history of retinal detachment. You can get it more than once, so get help quickly if symptoms come back.
