What it is
It is more common with age, in very short-sighted people, and after eye surgery or injury.
A small tear can be sealed with laser or freezing treatment. A detachment usually needs surgery to reattach the retina.
Common signs
- A sudden increase in floaters (dots or lines in your vision)
- Flashes of light
- A dark shadow or curtain moving across your vision
- Sudden blurred vision
How it is usually diagnosed
- Urgent eye examination with dilating drops
- Eye ultrasound or scans in some cases
Records worth keeping
Keeping these together makes each appointment easier, especially when you see a new doctor:
- Eye examination and operation notes
- Post-operative instructions, such as head positioning
- Follow-up results
Questions to ask your doctor
- Has the retina torn or detached, and which treatment do I need?
- What should I avoid after surgery, for example flying?
- What is the risk to my other eye?
When to get help right away
Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department if you have:
- Sudden new floaters, flashes, or a shadow across your vision: get same-day help from an eye unit or emergency department
This page is general information. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a doctor who knows your history. Medfold keeps your records organised; it does not interpret them.