---
title: "Retinal detachment | Eye Health Guide"
description: "Why retinal detachment is a sight-threatening emergency, the warning signs of flashes, floaters and a shadow over vision, and how urgent surgery treats it."
url: https://eyehealthguide.org/conditions/retinal-detachment/
source: Eye Health Guide
licence: "General information only. Cite the URL and the named medical reviewer."
---

Condition

# Retinal detachment

Medical reviewer [Mr Mohamed Mohyudin](https://eyehealthguide.org/reviewers/mohamed-mohyudin/)· Last recorded site review July 6, 2026

### About this review

This page inherits the site’s previous review record. A separate, current article sign-off has not yet been recorded.

[How review works](https://eyehealthguide.org/reviewers/) · [Official biography & credentials](https://mohamedmohyudin.co.uk/author/mohamed-mohyudin/)

Quick answer

Retinal detachment is a medical emergency where the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye pulls away from its blood supply. It is painless but can cause permanent sight loss if not treated quickly. Sudden flashes, a shower of floaters, or a dark shadow or curtain over your vision need emergency same-day eye care.

### On this page ⌄

1. Your next step
2. What it is
3. Warning signs
4. Causes and risk factors
5. When to seek urgent care and treatment
6. Related conditions
7. Related symptoms
8. Treatments & Surgery
9. Frequently asked questions

## What it is

The retina is the light-sensitive layer lining the back of the eye. In a retinal detachment it lifts away from the underlying tissue and loses its blood and oxygen supply. Without prompt treatment the affected area stops working, which can lead to permanent loss of vision.

## Warning signs

Retinal detachment is usually painless, so the visual warning signs are what matter most.

- A sudden increase in floaters, sometimes like a shower of spots
- Flashes of light in one or both eyes
- A dark shadow or curtain spreading across your vision
- Sudden blurring or loss of part of your vision

## Causes and risk factors

It often follows age-related changes in the vitreous gel that tug a tear in the retina. Risk is higher if you are very short-sighted, have had a previous detachment or eye surgery such as cataract surgery, have had a serious eye injury, or have a family history.

## When to seek urgent care and treatment

Treat the warning signs as an emergency and seek same-day assessment, as early treatment gives the best chance of saving sight. Retinal detachment is treated with surgery, and a retinal tear caught early may be sealed with laser or freezing treatment before it progresses.

## Related conditions

## Related symptoms

## Treatments & Surgery

## Frequently asked questions

### Is retinal detachment an emergency?

Yes. It is a medical emergency. Sudden flashes, many new floaters, or a shadow over your vision need same-day eye assessment, as quick treatment offers the best chance of protecting sight.

### Can retinal detachment be fixed?

It is usually treated with surgery, which is more likely to succeed when done early. The outcome depends on how much of the retina detached and whether the central vision was affected.

### Does retinal detachment hurt?

No, it is usually painless. Because there is no pain, the visual warning signs such as flashes, floaters, and a shadow are the key reasons to seek urgent care.

Your next step

## Take this to your appointment

Write down what has changed, when it started, your current medicines and the questions you want answered. Take these to your eye-care appointment.

Sudden loss of sight, severe eye pain or a dark curtain across vision needs immediate assessment. Do not wait to complete a worksheet.

## Sources for this information

These references support the information on this page. Follow the linked source for its full context.

- [National Eye Institute - Retinal Detachment](https://www.nei.nih.gov/eye-health-information/eye-conditions-and-diseases/retinal-detachment)