Retinal Detachment: Recognize It Early, Treat It Effectively
Retinal detachment is an eye emergency that can lead to permanent vision loss if not treated quickly. Fortunately, modern microsurgical techniques allow most patients to recover good vision when treatment is performed promptly.
What Is Retinal Detachment?
The retina is a thin layer of light-sensitive tissue that lines the back of the eye—similar to the film of a camera. A retinal detachment occurs when this layer separates from the wall of the eye because of a small tear or hole, allowing fluid to pass underneath it. When the retina is detached, it can no longer process visual images properly.
Warning Symptoms — When to Seek Immediate Care
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Sudden appearance of floaters (dark dots, threads, or cobwebs)
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Flashes of light in the peripheral vision
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A dark shadow or curtain that moves across your field of vision
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Sudden decrease in vision in one eye
If you experience any of these symptoms, contact an ophthalmologist immediately. Every hour counts.
Who is at risk?
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Adults over 50 years old
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People with high myopia (nearsightedness)
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Those with a family history of retinal detachment
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After eye trauma
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Patients who have had retinal tears or detachment in the other eye
How Is It Treated?
Treatment
Treatment always requires microsurgery. The main procedures are:
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Vitrectomy: the most frequent technique today; removes the vitreous gel and repairs the retinal tear using laser and internal tamponade (gas or silicone oil).
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Scleral buckling: places a small silicone band around the eye to support the retina.
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Combined procedures or pneumatic retinopexy: used in selected cases.
Modern surgery achieves high anatomical success rates. In a study carried out in Buenos Aires by Dr. Jeremías G. Galletti and colleagues (Oftalmología Clínica y Experimental, 2019), 80% of patients achieved full retinal reattachment after surgery, comparable to outcomes reported by major international centers.
The Importance of Early Diagnosis
In that same study, the main factor associated with surgical success was the absence of advanced proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR)—a complication that develops when surgery is delayed. The data showed that the longer the delay between symptoms and surgery, the higher the risk of PVR and surgical failure.
Acting quickly can make the difference between preserving and losing vision.
Recovery and Prognosis
Vision usually improves gradually over weeks or months. A second surgery may sometimes be needed, and follow-up visits are essential. With timely treatment, most patients maintain useful vision and can return to normal activities.
Dr. Jeremías Galletti is a specialist in retinal detachment
Dr. Galletti (M.D, Ph.D.) is an ophthalmologist and vitreoretinal surgeon based in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He is also a researcher at the Instituto de Medicina Experimental, Academia Nacional de Medicina–CONICET, where he studies retinal and corneal diseases. He combines evidence-based surgical care with ongoing research to improve patient outcomes in complex retinal conditions.
