Detached retina (retinal detachment)
Overview
Symptoms of a detached retina can include floaters or flashes, a dark shadow in your vision and blurred vision.
It usually takes 2 to 6 weeks to recover after surgery for a detached retina. Take paracetamol if you need it, and get help if the pain gets worse.
A detached retina is usually caused by changes to the jelly inside your eye as you get older. It's more likely if you have an eye operation or injury.
A detached retina is where the retina at the back of your eye becomes loose. It needs urgent treatment to stop it affecting your sight.
Page last reviewed: 03/08/2023
Next review due: 03/08/2026