What happens if retinal detachment is not treated?

If retinal detachment is not treated immediately, it can lead to permanent vision loss in the affected eye. Retinal detachment is considered a medical emergency that requires urgent examination and treatment by an ophthalmologist to preserve vision. The longer treatment is delayed, the greater the risk of permanent retinal damage and vision loss.

Why is retinal detachment a medical emergency?

The retina is a layer of light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye, which is essential for clear vision. When the retina detaches from its normal position, it stops functioning properly, causing blurred vision. If the retina is not reattached, the light-sensitive cells within it can be permanently damaged, leading to partial or total vision loss in that eye [1].

Symptoms of retinal detachment often appear suddenly and include the appearance of new flashes of light, a sudden increase in the number of floaters (small dots or lines moving in the field of vision), or the appearance of a shadow or gray curtain covering part of the visual field. If any of these symptoms occur, it is essential to see an ophthalmologist or visit an emergency room immediately [2].

Potential complications of not treating it

Failure to treat retinal detachment can lead to several serious complications, most notably:

• Permanent vision loss: This is the greatest risk, as the eye may not regain its normal vision even after treatment if intervention is delayed [1].
• Blindness: In severe or neglected cases, retinal detachment can lead to complete blindness in the affected eye [2].
• Deterioration of the eye condition: Prolonged detachment may lead to structural changes in the eye that are difficult to treat later.

The extent of vision recovery after treatment depends on the amount of damage sustained by the retinal cells due to the detachment [1]. The retina may continue to heal for a year or more after surgery, and vision improvement may take several months [1].

Treatment options and early intervention

Retinal detachment treatment aims to reattach the retina to its normal position and close any tears or holes. Treatment options include surgery, such as pneumatic retinopexy, vitrectomy, or scleral buckle [1]. In some cases, laser or cryotherapy may be used to repair small tears [2].

Early intervention is crucial for the success of the treatment. The earlier retinal detachment is diagnosed and treated, the better the chances of preserving vision and avoiding permanent complications [2]. In about 9 out of 10 people, treatment is successful in reattaching the retina, especially if the detachment is detected early [2].

What to do if you suspect retinal detachment?

If you notice any symptoms suggesting retinal detachment, such as sudden flashes of light, a significant increase in floaters, or the appearance of a curtain in your field of vision, you must act immediately. Call your ophthalmologist or go to the nearest emergency room. Do not ignore these symptoms; delay in seeking medical help can lead to serious consequences for your vision [2]. For more information about symptoms, you can visit Retinal Detachment: Flashes, Floaters, and the Curtain (Arabic).

Medical references

• Detached Retina
• Retinal Detachment