Eye diseases
Retinal detachment

What is retinal detachment?
Retinal detachment consists of the separation of the retina (later that covers the inside of the eye) from the wall of the eye to which the choroid (the intermediate layer of the eyeball) is “stuck”.
Without the nutrients and oxygen received from the choroid, the highly specialist retinal cells that are unable to regenerate are damaged and cannot work properly. Therefore, vision loss could be very severe if it is not treated in time, and this is considered an ophthalmological emergency.
According to the mechanisms causing retinal detachment, there can be several types:
- Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment: this is the most frequent and is caused by the formation of small tears in the retina through which fluid can pass that “detaches” the retina.
- Tractional retinal detachment: this is caused by membranes, generally fibrous or fibrovascular, that pull on the retina and separate it from the choroid.
- Exudative retinal detachment: this occurs in inflammatory processes affecting the eye and can sometimes be due to the growth of new vessels in the vascular layer of the choroid, causing the retinal to lift slightly.
Symptoms
Causes and risk factors
Diagnosis
Treatment
This eye disease does not hurt, but you should pay attention to certain warning signs that are common to vitreous detachment and that might precede possible retinal detachment, such as the appearance or increase in floaters and flashes. Also, if you see a dark area or a black curtain over some part of your visual field, either at the top, bottom or on the sides, retinal detachment might have already occurred. In cases where the central and most important area of the retina is affected, you might also notice distorted images and loss of visual acuity.
Frequently Asked Questions
A retinal detachment can cause visual symptoms such as a sudden onset of floaters, flashes of light, a shadow or curtain that obstructs vision, or partial loss of the visual field. It is a condition that requires prompt assessment by a retina specialist, as early diagnosis allows the right treatment to be established and improves the chances of visual recovery.
Floaters are small spots, dots or threads that appear in the field of vision and seem to move when you move your eyes. They are usually related to changes in the vitreous humor, the gel-like substance that fills the inside of the eye. Although they are common, when they appear suddenly, increase in number or are accompanied by flashes of light, an eye examination is recommended.
Flashes of light are a visual disturbance that can occur when the vitreous, the clear gel that fills the inside of the eye, pulls on the retina. The appearance of these flashes may be related to changes in the vitreous and, in some cases, to retinal lesions. When they appear suddenly together with floaters, it is important to see a specialist.
A retinal tear is a break in the retina, usually caused by the vitreous humor pulling on this structure. It can be a precursor to retinal detachment, as it allows fluid from inside the eye to pass underneath the retina. Early detection makes it possible to consider treatments aimed at preventing it from progressing to a detachment.
A retinal detachment usually requires surgery to reattach the retina and prevent vision loss. The choice of treatment depends on the characteristics of each patient and the type of detachment. The techniques used include vitrectomy and other surgical procedures aimed at repairing the retina and restoring it to its normal position inside the eye.
Treatment for retinal detachment is surgical and usually urgent because, once the retina separates from the inner layer of the eye to which a healthy retina is attached, it no longer receives an adequate supply of oxygen and nutrients. This can seriously affect vision if it is not treated quickly and by expert hands. The most common surgery is vitrectomy, which involves removing part or all of the vitreous humor (the clear gel that fills the eyeball) in order to work directly on the retina and reposition it or repair any damage or tears.
The most common symptoms of a retinal detachment are a sudden onset of floaters, flashes of light, a shadow or curtain in the visual field and vision loss. If you notice any of these signs, it is essential to see an ophthalmologist immediately, as early surgical treatment can help preserve vision.
Floaters are small spots, dots or threads that seem to float in the field of vision. They are generally caused by age-related changes in the vitreous humor and, in most cases, are harmless.
However, if they appear suddenly, increase in number or are accompanied by flashes of light or vision loss, it is important to see an ophthalmologist urgently to rule out a retinal problem.
Flashes of light can appear due to age-related changes in the vitreous humor and do not always indicate a serious problem. However, if they appear suddenly, are frequent or are accompanied by floaters or vision loss, it is important to see an ophthalmologist urgently to rule out a retinal tear or detachment.
Flashes or flashes of light usually occur when the vitreous humor pulls on the retina. Although in some cases they are due to aging and are not serious, they can also be a sign of a retinal tear or detachment.
If the flashes appear suddenly, increase in intensity or are accompanied by floaters or vision loss, it is important to see an ophthalmologist urgently.
Seeing a black shadow or curtain in the visual field can be a symptom of a retinal detachment or another eye disease that requires urgent attention. If it appears suddenly, especially together with flashes of light, floaters or vision loss, it is essential to see an ophthalmologist immediately for early diagnosis and treatment.
You should see an ophthalmologist if floaters appear suddenly, increase in number or are accompanied by flashes of light, a shadow in the visual field or vision loss. These symptoms may indicate a retinal tear or detachment, which require urgent ophthalmic care.
No. Flashes of light do not always indicate a retinal detachment. In many cases they are due to age-related changes in the vitreous humor. However, if they appear suddenly or are accompanied by floaters, a shadow in the visual field or vision loss, it is important to see an ophthalmologist immediately to rule out a retinal tear or detachment.
You should go to an ophthalmic emergency department if you suddenly notice flashes of light, a sudden increase in floaters, a shadow or curtain covering part of your visual field, or an abrupt loss of vision. These symptoms may indicate a retinal tear or detachment, a medical emergency that requires immediate assessment through a fundus examination. Early diagnosis is key: the sooner it is detected and treated, the better the chances of preserving vision. If you notice any of these signs, our retina specialist ophthalmologists are available to see you without delay.
Yes. Seeing sudden flashes of light, especially if they appear in only one eye, can be a warning sign in ophthalmology. They are usually caused by the vitreous pulling on the retina and can precede a retinal tear or detachment. If you experience them, go to an ophthalmic emergency department for assessment through a fundus examination. Early diagnosis makes it possible to rule out retinal lesions and, if there are any, to start treatment before vision is permanently affected.
Not always. Occasional floaters are common and are usually due to normal age-related changes in the vitreous. However, if they appear suddenly and in large numbers, or are accompanied by flashes of light or a shadow in your vision, they are a warning sign that may indicate a retinal tear or detachment. If you notice any of these changes, go to an ophthalmic emergency department for a fundus examination. Our retina specialists will be able to confirm or rule out a condition requiring immediate treatment.
Sudden vision loss is a medical emergency and requires immediate attention. It can be caused by retinal diseases, vascular problems or disorders of the optic nerve. Do not wait for the symptoms to go away on their own. Go to an ophthalmic emergency department or a specialist retina center as soon as possible to receive diagnosis and treatment as quickly as possible.
If you suspect you have a retinal detachment, go immediately to an ophthalmic emergency department or a specialist retina center. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to increase the chances of preserving vision and avoiding complications. Our retina specialists have operating rooms ready to operate quickly, a decisive factor in preserving vision.






