Retinal detachment is a serious eye emergency in which the retina peels away from the back of the eye. Without prompt treatment it can cause permanent sight loss, so urgent specialist care is essential.
Quick Reference
30-90 min
Depending on the technique used
Local or General
Chosen to suit you and your procedure
2-4 weeks
Initial recovery after surgery
Urgent Eye Exam
Detailed retinal examination and scans
High
Most retinas reattach with treatment
On Request
Transparent, all-inclusive quote at consultation
Retinal detachment occurs when the retina separates from the supporting tissue at the back of the eye, cutting off its supply of oxygen and nutrients.
Most detachments begin with a small tear or hole in the retina, allowing fluid to pass underneath and lift it away from the wall of the eye.
Once detached, the retina quickly loses function. Prompt treatment is vital to prevent permanent and irreversible loss of vision.
Modern surgery can reattach the retina and protect your sight, with the best results achieved when treatment is not delayed.
A sudden increase in floaters or specks drifting across your vision.
Sudden flashes of light in one or both eyes.
A dark shadow or curtain spreading across your field of vision.
Sudden blurred vision or loss of your side vision.
Surgery restores the retina to its correct position at the back of the eye.
Prompt treatment helps prevent permanent, irreversible sight loss.
Most detachments are successfully repaired, often in a single procedure.
Vitrectomy, scleral buckling and laser methods tailored to your eye.
Early treatment gives the best chance of saving detailed, central sight.
Specialist vitreoretinal surgeons guide you through every step.
For retinal tears or small, early detachments, a laser or freezing treatment (cryotherapy) is used to seal the tear. This creates a scar that holds the retina firmly in place and helps prevent the detachment from progressing.
The vitreous gel is removed and the retina is gently reattached from inside the eye. A gas bubble or silicone oil is then placed in the eye to hold the retina in position while it heals securely against the eye wall.
A tiny, flexible silicone band is placed around the outside of the eye. It gently pushes the wall of the eye inwards to meet the detached retina, supporting it as it reattaches and heals over time.
MBChB (Edin) FRCOphth (Lon) CertLRS (RCOphth) PGDipCRS
Expert Laser Eye and Cataract Surgeon
Dr Fayyaz Musa is a UK-trained eye surgeon with vast experience. He helps people improve their vision through precise, safe treatments. His work focuses on the eye to address issues like cataracts, excessive glare, and poor vision.
Driven by a desire for open and honest communication, Dr Musa explains every detail so you can make an informed choice. His meticulous approach and dedication to patient care define his practice, so you remain in safe hands.
I had cataract and lens replacement surgery with Dr Fayyaz Musa, and the experience was positive from start to finish. Every member of staff went above and beyond to make me feel comfortable, reassured, and fully informed throughout the entire process. I never felt rushed and always understood exactly what was happening.
Maureen Nursey
What a great experience! Very reassuring, and I am very grateful for the consultation from Dr Musa. He was so helpful in helping me decide to proceed with eye correction surgery. I have the utmost confidence in him and the team at the Eye Doctor Clinic, Huddersfield.
Lozza 747
I can highly recommend the Eye Doctor Clinic, and I am so pleased I went there. Dr Musa, Gemma and Jess are lovely. They are very knowledgeable and were able to answer all my questions. My vision following surgery is great, and not having to wear glasses is fantastic.
Carol Peel
I recently had LASEK eye surgery - Dr Musa and team were excellent - pre and post op care is exceptional - highly recommend.
Michelle Cowan
Luckily, I was advised to see Dr Musa. At the consultation, I was impressed by the thorough examination I received and the surgical plan. I confidently undertook surgery, and after an extremely short recovery, I was amazed at the result. Better than 20/20 vision! I certainly would not now trust anyone else other than Dr Musa with the health of my eyes.
John Hick
Dr Musa was recommended to me for my cataract surgery for both eyes. He performed the surgery with utmost care and professionalism. He explained the procedure and outcome to me in detail. I am very pleased with the result so far and look forward to years of spectacle-free life. He was warm and friendly, and the procedure cost was explained at the outset, with no hidden fees.
Soghra Ali
Retinal detachment is a medical emergency. Our expert team is here to provide urgent assessment and treatment to give your sight the best possible chance of recovery.
Retinal detachment is a serious condition in which the retina, the light-sensitive layer lining the back of the eye, separates from the tissue that supplies it with oxygen and nutrients. When this happens the retina cannot work properly, and without prompt treatment it can lead to permanent loss of vision.
Yes. Retinal detachment is a medical emergency and needs urgent assessment and treatment. The longer the retina remains detached, the greater the risk of permanent sight loss, particularly if the central part of the retina (the macula) becomes involved. If you notice the warning signs, seek specialist advice straight away.
Common warning signs include a sudden increase in floaters, flashes of light in your vision, and a dark shadow or curtain spreading across your field of view. Some people also notice sudden blurring or loss of side vision. These symptoms are painless, so it is important not to ignore them.
Most retinal detachments are caused by a tear or hole in the retina that allows fluid to collect underneath it. Risk factors include short-sightedness (myopia), previous cataract surgery, a serious eye injury, a family history of detachment, ageing changes in the vitreous gel, and having had a detachment in the other eye.
Treatment depends on the type and severity of the detachment. Small tears may be sealed with laser or freezing treatment (cryotherapy). Larger detachments are usually repaired with surgery, such as vitrectomy, in which the vitreous gel is removed and the retina is reattached with a gas bubble or silicone oil, or scleral buckling, which uses a silicone band to support the retina.
We accept referrals and direct bookings from leading private medical insurers, making specialist consultant-led eye care straightforward and hassle-free.
Not sure if your policy is accepted? Call us on +44 1484 627779 and our team will check your cover.
Have questions or need expert advice? Please share your details, and our team will reach out to you.
