13/10/2025
Sunday Star article 12 Oct 2025
When the retina detaches
RETINAL detachment may sound rare, but it is a real risk, especially if you are over 40,highly short-sighted or have a family history of eye problems.
Retinal detachment occurs when the retina -the thin layer of tissue at the back of the eye peels away from its normal position. It is painless, but dangerous. Left untreated, it can lead to permanent blindness.
Consultant ophthalmologist and vitreoretinal surgeon Dr Peh Khaik Kee compares the eye to a camera, with the retina acting as the film.
A clear gel called vitreous jelly fills the eye, but it begins to shrink and pull away as we age.
This can tug on the retina, causing tears.
If fluid seeps behind the tear, it can lift the retina and cause detachment.
"Don't wait until the shadow reaches the centre of your vision. "This can jeopardise recovery of vision,"he warns.
What to look out for
Floaters and light flashes are key warning signs.
"Floaters may look like specks, cobwebs, or even 'mosquito-like" shapes drifting in your vision," says Dr Peh. A sudden increase in floaters or flashes, especially at the edge of your vision, should raise immediate concern.
Another red flag is a shadow or curtain creeping across your view.
This could be a sign that the retina is already detaching. "Even if part of the retina is detached, the patient can retain near-normal vision as long as the macula is still on. "But once the macula comes off, the chances of restoring full sight drops significantly,"he explains.
Consultant ophthalmologist and vitreoretinal surgeon Dr Selva Raja Vengadasalam notes that retinal detachment is more common than many think, occurring in approximately seven to 14 per 100,000 cases.It is not caused by lifestyle or diet, but rather structural factors.
People at highest risk include individuals over the age of 40, those with short- sightedness, patients with a family history of retinal problems, and people who have had eye injuries or previous eye surgeries.
Taking timely action
Symptoms like floaters and flashes are common, but only 5-10% of these cases involve an actual tear. Get a dilated eye exam to confirm whether urgent treatments is needed. If a tear is caught early, it can often be sealed with a simple laser procedure called photocoagulation.
But once the retina detaches, surgery is the only effective treatment. Depending on the case, patients may undergo vitrectomy or Sclera buckling.
Good surgical outcome
According to Dr Peh, the success rate for retinal reattachment surgery are high, (80-97%) depending on how early it is performed. If the macula is still attached, patient can regain full vision function. If the macula has detached, about 70% of patients can recover enough vision for daily task.
