Conditions / retinal tears & detachment

Retinal Tears & Detachment

Sudden flashes, new floaters, or a shadow or curtain in your vision should be assessed promptly.

Call us: you will be seen the same day, including weekends, or at the very latest, first thing the following morning. Most cases do not require treatment during the night. If you notice symptoms after clinic hours, send us a message on one of our platforms or by email and we will contact you.

Retinal tears are usually treated at the clinic. If a retinal detachment is diagnosed, surgery is arranged at our partner hospital and performed by Dr. JD Ferwerda.

Sudden flashes, a sudden increase in floaters, or a shadow or curtain in your vision require urgent assessment. Call us immediately. If symptoms occur after hours, or you cannot obtain a prompt ophthalmic examination, go to the nearest emergency department. Do not wait for an email or message reply.

Retinal tears are usually treated at the clinic. If a retinal detachment is diagnosed, surgery is arranged at our partner hospital and performed by Dr. JD Ferwerda.

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If symptoms begin late at night, remain calm and avoid strenuous activity until you have been assessed.
Common symptoms

Signs of a retinal tear or detachment

Warning signs of retinal detachment or tear develop suddenly and demand same-day specialist evaluation.

Sudden burst of new floaters in one eye

Flashes of light in peripheral vision

A shadow or curtain across part of vision

Sudden veil-like blur that doesn't clear

Peripheral darkness moving inward

Sudden loss of part of the visual field

Repeated light flashes with eye movement

Distortion in central vision

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WHAT IS RETINAL DETACHMENT?

A time-sensitive condition

The retina is the light-sensitive tissue lining the back of the eye.
When a tear lets fluid behind it, the retina lifts away from the supporting layer of cells - then it stops sending signals.

Retinal tears and detachments arise when the vitreous inside the eye exerts traction on the retina.

A tear identified early can often be sealed in clinic, while a retinal detachment is a surgical emergency.A retinal detachment can spread and involve the macula, threatening permanent loss of central vision. Prompt assessment gives the best chance of protecting sight.

Why act quickly?

A tear found early can often be treated in clinic, while a retinal detachment is a surgical emergency. Each hour a detached retina remains off the back of the eye reduces the chance of a full recovery, so act as soon as symptoms appear

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HOURS AND DAYS, NOT WEEKS

Why timing changes the outcome

A tear treated before fluid passes behind it can usually be sealed with laser in clinic. The same tear, left untreated, can become a detachment that may require surgery in an operating theatre and weeks of recovery.

A tear treated early often avoids surgery altogether

Macula-on detachments generally have better visual outcomes than macula-off detachments.

The longer the macula remains detached, the greater the risk of permanent loss of central vision

Treatments and approach

Thorough assessment,
same-day answers

Experienced retinal specialists

Retinal exams performed by clinicians experienced in vitreoretinal assessment.

Advanced imaging technology

Widefield and OCT imaging capture the retina in detail for accurate diagnosis.

Patient-first care

Calm, thorough consultations that explain findings clearly and plan next steps together.

How we approach

Patients with warning symptoms are prioritised for same-day evaluation and imaging. 
We take the time to explain findings and treatment options clearly, so you can make informed decisions with confidence.

Dilated indirect ophthalmoscopy of the full peripheral retina

Scleral indentation to inspect the far periphery

Widefield retinal imaging and documentation

Clear explanation of findings and treatment options

Same-day treatment when appropriate

OCT to determine macula-on or macula-off status

Don't wait. Don't guess. Get checked today.

Same-day appointments available.

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