Ambulance 912HAP 9252
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Retinal detachment

In retinal detachment, the light-sensitive retina separates from the layer beneath it. New flashes, many floaters or a dark curtain need emergency eye care the same day.

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In retinal detachment, the light-sensitive retina separates from the layer beneath it. New flashes, many floaters or a dark curtain need emergency eye care the same day.

  • Sudden new flashes of light at the edge of vision, often in one eye.
  • A clear increase in black dots, threads or a cloud of floaters.
  • Treat new flashes, many floaters or a curtain as an eye emergency; self-care cannot repair a detachment.
  • Do not drive yourself when part of your vision is missing or your pupil has been dilated for examination.
  • Contact an ophthalmologist or emergency eye service the same day for new flashes or suddenly many more floaters.
  • For urgent GP care outside office hours, call HAP 9252. Call Ambulance 912 only for an immediate threat to life.

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Further reading

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P
Posterior vitreous detachmentIn vitreous detachment, the gel inside the eye pulls away from the retina as part of ageing. This is often a normal process, but a retinal tear may occur as it separates. New flashes of light, a sudden increase in moving spots or a dark curtain therefore need assessment by an ophthalmologist or urgent eye service the same day. Only an eye examination with dilated pupils can reliably rule out a retinal tear.
C
Central serous chorioretinopathyA 'fluid blister in the retina' often means central serous chorioretinopathy: fluid leaks from the vascular layer beneath the central retina and lifts the macula locally. It often resolves by itself, but recurrence or prolonged fluid can cause permanent loss of contrast and detail; many sudden flashes, floaters or a curtain over vision are not a reason to wait and see.
R
Retinitis pigmentosaRetinitis pigmentosa is a group of inherited retinal conditions in which night vision and the peripheral visual field gradually decline. The rate varies greatly. Sudden flashes, many new floaters, a dark curtain or rapid loss of vision are not part of ordinary gradual RP and are eye emergencies.