About Retinal Detachment Surgery
Retinal detachment is a condition in which the thin lining at the back of the eye (the retina) begins to come away and separate itself from the underlying wall of the eye, which contains blood vessels that supply it with vital oxygen and nutrients.
If not treated promptly, retinal detachment will lead to blindness in the affected eye.
A retinal detachment is usually caused by a tear in the retina, and this is termed a Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. Other types include traction retinal detachment, usually seen in advanced diabetic retinopathy, and Exudative retinal detachment (usually seen in people with inflammation). Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment needs urgent surgery in most cases.
Causes
The retina at the back of the eye sends signals to the brain, enabling us to see. Without a blood supply, the retina’s nerve cells die leading to loss of sight.
Retinal detachment usually results from a tear in the retina. Once a tear develops and if not treated, fluid can go through the tear and cause the retina can pull away from the underlying blood vessel wall
Very short-sighted people have the greatest risk of developing age-related retinal detachment (though the risk is still very small) because they are often born with a thinner-than-normal retina in the first place.
Previous eye surgery, such as cataract removal, may also make the retina more vulnerable to damage.
In some cases, a tear can develop if the eye is suddenly injured, such as by a blow to the face but this is less common.
Symptoms
Most people experience advanced symptoms of a possible retinal detachment before losing their sight, including:
- sudden appearance of floaters – black dots, specks or streaks that float across the field of vision (usually only one eye is affected)
- web effect of lots of small floaters – some people see a single large black floater in the shape of a fly
- sudden short flashes (no more than one second) of light in the affected eye
- seeing a dark shadow like a curtain falling down from the outer aspect of the field of vision in the affected eye
- blurring or distortion of vision
Without urgent treatment, the vision in the affected eye will start to deteriorate, creating the effect of a shadow or ‘black curtain’ spreading across the vision. If a person experiences a shadow in the vision, then it is extremely important to consult an eye doctor immediately before the shadow spreads across the centre of the vision.
Retinal detachment usually only occurs in one eye; however, if one eye is affected, there is a 1 in 10 chance that the retina in your other eye will also detach.
If the eye specialist (ophthalmologist) suspects a retinal detachment, an examination of the back of the eye will confirm it.
Urgent Retinal Detachment treatment is essential to lower the risk of permanent vision loss. The Retinal Detachment treatment is mainly surgery and eye drops will not help.
Most but not all detached retinas can be successfully reattached through different types of surgery, followed by a few months of recovery when vision will be weak, affecting lifestyle activities such as driving.
Some people’s eyesight does not fully return after surgery and they have permanently reduced peripheral (side) or central vision. This can happen even if the retina is reattached successfully.
This risk is higher the longer the detachment was left untreated.
Looking for more information?
Explore our frequently asked questions for additional information about your condition, care and treatment.
Retinal Detachment Surgery Specialists
Dr. Ammar Safar
Chief Medical Officer and Consultant Ophthalmologist & Vitreoretinal SurgeonGCAA Approved Specialist Aviation Medical Examiner
Professor of Ophthalmology (Adjunct)
- Vitreoretinal diseases and surgery
- Retinal Detachment surgery
- Diabetic retinopathy
- Macular hole surgery
- Cataract surgery
- Intravitreal injections
- Retinal vascular diseases and vascular occlusive disorders
- Age-related macular degeneration, including exudative macular degeneration
- Aviation Ophthalmology
- American Board-Certified Ophthalmologist
- Medical degree from Aleppo University, Aleppo, Syria
- Residency training in Ophthalmology at Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
- Served as Chief Resident at Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
- Fellowship in Vitreoretinal Diseases & Surgery at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Centre, Dallas, Texas, USA
- American Academy of Ophthalmology
- Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS)
- American Society of Retina Specialists
- European Society of Retina Specialists
- American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery
- Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO)
- Arab-American Medical Association
- Adjunct Professor of Ophthalmology at Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU)
- Former Assistant Professor and later Associate Professor and Director of Vitreoretinal Surgery at the Department of Ophthalmology, Jones Eye Institute, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, USA
- Conducted research and clinical trials in diabetic retinopathy and age-related eye diseases
- Research contributed to advances in the management of retinal vascular diseases, including diabetic retinopathy and vascular occlusive disorders
- Research contributed to new approaches for the treatment of exudative macular degeneration
- Inaugural recipient of The Martha Wood Bentley Endowed Chair of Ophthalmology at the University of Arkansas
Dr. Ziad Bashshur
Visiting Consultant Ophthalmologist in Medical & Surgical Retina- Medical retina
- Surgical retina
- Vitreoretinal diseases and surgery
- Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the American University of Beirut, Lebanon
- Internal Medicine internship at Georgetown/VA Medical Center, USA
- Ophthalmology residency at the American University of Beirut, Lebanon
- Vitreoretinal Fellowship at the University of Virginia, USA
- Member of the American Society of Retina Specialists (ASRS)
- Member of the Retina Society
- Member of the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society
- Tenured Professor and Vice-Chairman of Ophthalmology at the American University of Beirut
- Published more than 60 research papers on retinal diseases
- Research areas include macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, retinal vascular diseases and retinal imaging
- Regular speaker at professional ophthalmology meetings worldwide
- Serves on the review boards of several peer-reviewed ophthalmology journals
- Serves on several medical industry advisory boards
Dr. Muhammad Amjad
Visiting Consultant Ophthalmologist in Adult and Paediatric Retinal diseases and Cataract surgery- Adult and paediatric retinal diseases
- Retinal detachments
- Macular holes
- Age Related Macular Degeneration
- Retinal vascular diseases
- Epiretinal Membranes
- Vitreous Haemorrhage
- Uveitis
- Inherited retinal disorders (IRD)
- Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP)
- Central Serous Chorioretinopathy (CSCR)
- Familial Exudative Vitreoretinopathy (FEVR)
- Adult and paediatric cataract surgery
- Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS), University of Health Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
- Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT), General Medical Council, UK
- Fellowship in Medical Retina, Uveitis & Oncology at Moorfields Eye Hospital London, UK
- Fellowship in Surgical Retina at Moorfields Eye Hospital London, UK
- Fellowship in Paediatric Retina at Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, UK
- Fellow of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists (FRCOphth)
- British and Eire Association of Vitreoretinal Surgeons (BEAVRS)
- European Society of Retina Specialists (EURETINA)
- American Society of Retina Specialists (ASRS)
- American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO)
- British & Irish Paediatric Ophthalmology & Strabismus Association (BIPOSA)
- Active involvement in retinal research
- Published peer-reviewed research on Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) and Familial Exudative Vitreoretinopathy (FEVR)
- Research published in international ophthalmology journals
Dr. Ramzi Ghanem
Consultant Ophthalmologist in Medical Retina, Vitreoretinal and Cataract Surgery
FAQ
Retinal detachment is an eye emergency and requires immediate specialist assessment. The urgency of surgery depends on the extent and location of the detachment, particularly whether the macula, which is responsible for central vision, is involved or at risk. Some retinal detachments require surgery within hours, while others may be treated over the following days based on the clinical findings. Prompt assessment is essential to determine the appropriate timing of treatment and give the best chance of preserving vision.
Retinal detachment usually does not resolve on its own, and most cases require surgery to reattach the retina and reduce the risk of permanent vision loss. If you develop symptoms such as a sudden increase in floaters, flashes of light, or a shadow or curtain across your vision, seek urgent specialist assessment.
Recovery after retinal detachment surgery varies depending on the procedure performed and how the eye heals. Initial healing generally takes around two to six weeks, although vision may continue to improve over several months. Many patients can gradually resume light daily activities during recovery, while returning to work, driving, exercise and more physically demanding activities may take longer. The retina surgeon will monitor your recovery through follow-up appointments and advise when it is appropriate to resume different activities based on how your eye is healing.
Retinal detachment surgery can restore good vision in many cases, although vision may not return to its previous level even when the retina has been successfully reattached. Visual recovery depends on several factors, particularly whether the macula, which is responsible for central vision, was involved and how long it remained detached. When the macula remains attached, the likelihood of preserving good central vision is generally higher. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are therefore important in giving the best possible chance of preserving sight.
Our hospitals in Dubai and Abu Dhabi have highly experienced vitreoretinal specialists who assess and treat different types of retinal detachment using established surgical techniques. Treatment is tailored to the type, extent and location of the detachment, with the aim of reattaching the retina, preserving vision and reducing the risk of further sight loss.
Our Dubai and Abu Dhabi branches work with a wide range of insurance providers, and coverage for your retinal detachment consultation, investigations, and surgery depends on your individual policy and any prior approval your insurer requires. If you are unsure whether your plan covers the care you need, you can confirm directly with your insurer, or contact us ahead of your appointment so that our team can help you confirm your cover. The full list of accepted insurance providers is available at https://moorfields.ae/insurance-provider/
