Rhegmatogenous
The most common type — caused by a ‘hole’ in the retina
After a break forms, liquefied vitreous seeps through it and the sensory layer separates from the epithelium. It can be related to high myopia or age-related vitreous changes.
Retina
Retinal detachment
An emergency eye condition that threatens vision — fast diagnosis protects your sight
The retina works like camera film —
it receives light and relays visual signals to the brain.
When its inner and outer layers separate (retinal detachment),
or a hole forms (retinal break), field defects and vision loss follow.
Once detachment reaches the macula, damage can be severe,
so fast diagnosis and treatment are essential.
Retinal detachment symptoms
Even one of these signs warrants
urgent precision screening.
Floaters
Dust- or fly-like spots drift in your view
and suddenly increase in number.
Flashes
Flickering light afterimages recur at the
edge of vision even in the dark.
Field loss
A dark curtain seems to cover
part of your vision.
Types of retinal detachment
Tractional
Scar tissue ‘pulls’ the retina away
Conditions like diabetic retinopathy form proliferative tissue, which continuously tugs the retina until it separates.
Exudative (serous)
Inflammation lets ‘fluid’ build up under the retina
Inflammation, tumours or vascular issues let exudate leak from the retina or choroid, pooling beneath the retina and lifting it. It can occur even without a retinal break.
Retinal detachment diagnosis
Slit-lamp microscopy
Fundus exam
Ultrasound
