What are the warning signs of a retinal detachment?

A sudden increase in floaters, flashes of light (especially in dim conditions), and a dark shadow or curtain across the visual field. These require urgent same-day assessment. Retinal detachment is a surgical emergency.

What surgery is used to repair a retinal detachment?

Vitrectomy (keyhole surgery with gas or oil tamponade), scleral buckling, or pneumatic retinopexy. Mr Henderson tailors the approach to each patient's individual detachment.

Will my vision fully recover?

Depends on whether the macula was attached at the time of surgery. When macula-on, most patients recover excellent central vision. Peripheral vision recovery is generally very good.

Retinal Detachment — Emergency Surgery in London

Q: How urgent is retinal detachment surgery?

As soon as possible. When the macula is still attached, surgery within 24 hours gives the best chance of preserving central vision. Mr Henderson operates at Moorfields Eye Hospital.

Mr Robert Henderson BSc MBBS MD FRCOphth · Consultant Vitreoretinal Surgeon, Moorfields Eye Hospital & GOSH

A new shadow, curtain, flashes or a sudden increase in floaters needs urgent eye assessment. If you have been diagnosed with a retinal detachment, Mr Henderson can explain the treatment options and discuss the expected recovery for your eye. Do not wait for a reply to an online enquiry if symptoms are sudden.

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At a Glance

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UrgencySurgical emergency

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ProcedureVitrectomy or scleral buckle

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AnaestheticLocal or general

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LocationMoorfields Eye Hospital

🚨 This is a medical emergency. If you experience a sudden curtain or shadow across your vision, a sudden shower of new floaters, or flashing lights — seek urgent ophthalmology assessment the same day. Do not wait.

What is happening

Understanding Retinal Detachment

The retina is a thin layer of light-sensitive tissue lining the inside of the eye. Like wallpaper peeling from a wall, a detached retina separates from its underlying support layer — the retinal pigment epithelium — cutting off its blood supply and causing rapid, irreversible cell death.

The most common type is a rhegmatogenous retinal detachment, caused by a tear or hole in the retina that allows fluid from the vitreous cavity to seep underneath and lift the retina away. Risk factors include short-sightedness (myopia), previous eye surgery, eye trauma, and a family history of retinal detachment.

Total rhegmatogenous retinal detachment as seen on fundus examination

Total retinal detachment — the retina has separated completely

Retinal tear visible on fundus examination before laser treatment

Retinal tear — the precursor to detachment

Warning Signs

Symptoms to Watch For

Symptoms can develop suddenly and progress rapidly. Knowing the warning signs can be sight-saving.

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A curtain or shadow spreading across the vision

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Sudden onset of flashing lights (photopsia)

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A sudden shower of new floaters, especially if large

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Blurred or distorted central vision

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A grey or dark area obscuring part of the visual field

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Loss of peripheral vision on one side

Treatment

Surgical Repair

All retinal detachments require surgery. The goal is to close the tear or tears responsible for the detachment, drain the fluid underneath, and reattach the retina to the back of the eye. Mr Henderson selects the most appropriate technique based on the pattern of detachment, the location of the tear, and the individual patient.

“The most important factor in achieving a good visual outcome is speed — the sooner a detachment is repaired before the macula detaches, the better the prognosis for central vision.”

Where the macula has already detached, surgery is still worthwhile and frequently results in meaningful visual recovery, though the final outcome takes longer to determine.

Laser retinopexy applied around a retinal tear to prevent detachment

Laser retinopexy sealing a retinal tear to prevent detachment

Surgical Techniques

What to expect

Your Journey from Diagnosis to Recovery

Urgent Assessment

Urgent eye assessment, examination and imaging as appropriate. Do not wait for a response to this website if you have sudden symptoms.

Surgical Plan

Mr Henderson personally reviews your case and selects the technique best suited to your detachment — vitrectomy, scleral buckle, or pneumatic retinopexy.

Surgery at Moorfields

All surgery is performed personally by Mr Henderson in the specialist theatres at Moorfields Eye Hospital — the world’s foremost eye hospital.

Recovery & Follow-up

Most patients go home the same day. Mr Henderson follows your recovery personally, with structured appointments to monitor healing and vision.

Vitrectomy

The most versatile approach. The vitreous gel is removed, the retina reattached, and a gas or silicone oil tamponade used to hold it in place while it heals. Suitable for the majority of detachments.

Scleral Buckle

A silicone band is sutured around the outside of the eye to indent the wall, closing the tear from the outside. Particularly effective for younger patients and specific tear patterns.

Pneumatic Retinopexy

A gas bubble is injected into the eye and the patient positions to push the bubble against the tear. Suitable for selected cases with a single superior tear and minimal fluid.

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

How urgent is retinal detachment surgery?

Extremely urgent. If the macula (centre of the retina) has not yet detached, surgery should ideally be performed within 24 hours to maximise the chance of preserving central vision. Once the macula detaches, the prognosis for fine vision is less certain, though surgery is still essential to save the eye.

Can a retinal tear be treated before it becomes a detachment?

Yes. A retinal tear without detachment can usually be treated in the clinic with laser retinopexy or cryotherapy, sealing the tear and preventing fluid from getting underneath. This is a highly effective, painless outpatient procedure that takes only a few minutes.

Will I need to posture after surgery?

This depends on the technique used and the location of the tear. With vitrectomy and gas tamponade, specific positioning is sometimes required to keep the gas bubble in contact with the area of repair. Mr Henderson will give you clear written instructions tailored to your procedure.

What are the chances of successful reattachment?

Around 90% of retinal detachments are successfully reattached with a single operation. A small proportion require further surgery. The success rate for reattachment is high; however, the degree of visual recovery depends primarily on whether the macula was involved and for how long.

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