In today’s time, more people are facing eye health problems due to diabetes, ageing, injury, or lack of regular eye check-ups. One of the most serious eye conditions that can lead to vision loss is retinal detachment. Many people, especially in India, do not understand how dangerous this condition can be until it is too late.
Retinal detachment means that the retina — a thin layer of tissue at the back of the eye that helps you see — is pulled away from its normal position. If it is not treated quickly, it can cause permanent blindness. That is why it is important to understand the Types of Retinal Detachment, their causes, symptoms, and available treatments.
What is Retinal Detachment?
Your retina works like a screen inside the eye that captures images and sends them to the brain through the optic nerve. It helps you see the world clearly. But sometimes, the retina can get separated from the layer underneath that provides it oxygen and nutrients. Once this happens, the cells in the retina begin to die, and your vision becomes blurred, dark, or fully lost.
This is not a common condition, but it is very serious. It usually affects only one eye. Anyone can be at risk, but it is more common in people over 50 years of age, those with diabetes, previous eye surgeries, eye injuries, or family history of retinal problems.
Now let’s understand the Types of Retinal Detachment in detail.
1. Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment
This is the most common type and happens due to a break or tear in the retina. The word "rhegmatogenous" comes from the Greek word "rhegma," meaning a break. When there is a tear, the jelly-like fluid inside the eye (called vitreous) leaks behind the retina. This builds up pressure and pushes the retina away from the back of the eye.
Causes:
Ageing (as the eye’s vitreous becomes thinner and separates from the retina)
Nearsightedness (high myopia)
Previous eye surgery like cataract removal
Eye injury or trauma
Symptoms:
Sudden flashes of light in the vision
New floaters (black or grey dots floating in the eye)
A curtain-like shadow coming over the eye
Blurry or distorted vision
Treatment:
Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment needs urgent surgery. Depending on the case, doctors may use:
Laser surgery to seal the retinal tear
Cryopexy (freezing treatment)
Scleral buckling, where a band is placed around the eye to push the retina back
Vitrectomy, where the vitreous gel is removed and replaced with gas or oil
2. Tractional Retinal Detachment
This type happens when scar tissue on the retina pulls it away from the back of the eye. There is no hole or tear in the retina, but the pulling force detaches the retina.
Causes:
Diabetic retinopathy (a serious complication of diabetes that damages the retina)
Eye injuries
Infections or inflammation inside the eye
Symptoms:
Gradual loss of central or side vision
Distorted or wavy vision
Black spots or floaters may increase over time
Tractional detachment is slower to develop compared to rhegmatogenous type. But it is equally dangerous if not treated early.
Treatment:
Doctors may perform a vitrectomy, where they remove the vitreous and scar tissue to relieve traction. Laser treatment may also be used to strengthen the retina. In some cases, gas or silicone oil is injected to hold the retina in place.
3. Exudative (or Serous) Retinal Detachment
This type is different from the first two. Here, there is no tear or pulling. Instead, fluid builds up under the retina due to inflammation, blood vessel problems, or tumours, and causes the retina to lift away.
Causes:
Inflammatory diseases (like uveitis)
Eye tumours (like choroidal melanoma)
Blood vessel diseases
Kidney disorders or pre-eclampsia in pregnancy (rare cases)
Symptoms:
Sudden blurred vision
Visual distortions like shapes looking smaller or lines appearing curved
Reduced visual field (especially upper or lower part of vision)
Treatment:
Treatment depends on the underlying cause. For example:
If inflammation is the cause, steroids may be given
If it is due to a tumour, that will need treatment first
Fluid may be drained if required
Exudative detachment is rare but can still lead to blindness if ignored.
Why Early Diagnosis Matters
In all three Types of Retinal Detachment, early diagnosis and timely treatment are very important. The longer the retina stays detached, the lower the chances of getting back normal vision. In India, many patients visit the eye doctor only after symptoms get worse, which reduces the success rate of treatment.
Regular eye check-ups are especially important if you:
Have diabetes
Are over 50 years old
Have high myopia
Have had previous eye surgeries
Had eye injury
Even if you do not feel pain, sudden floaters or flashes of light should not be ignored. A quick retina exam can catch the problem early.
Prevention and Eye Health Tips
While not all types can be prevented, some steps can help reduce risk:
Control blood sugar and blood pressure if you have diabetes or hypertension
Use protective eyewear during sports or risky activities
Attend regular eye check-ups, especially if you’re in a high-risk group
Do not rub or put pressure on the eye after surgery or trauma
Educate family members if you have a family history of retinal detachment
In rural India, lack of awareness and access to retina specialists makes the condition worse. It’s important for both doctors and local health workers to educate people about symptoms and early action.
Final Words
Understanding the Types of Retinal Detachment — Rhegmatogenous, Tractional, and Exudative — helps patients and families take the right steps in time. In India, the number of retinal cases is rising due to diabetes and ageing. The good news is that modern treatments, trained eye surgeons, and early detection can save sight in many cases.
If you or someone in your family sees signs like sudden floaters, flashes, or loss of vision, visit a retina specialist immediately. Delay can mean permanent damage. With growing awareness and access to care, we can protect the gift of sight for every Indian.
