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Why speed matters: retinal detachment is an eye emergency
A retinal detachment happens when the thin light-sensing layer at the back of the eye (the retina) pulls away from the tissue that supports it. Left untreated, detached retina tissue loses blood supply and can cause permanent vision loss — which is why immediate evaluation and timely surgery are critical. (Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic)
Common warning signs — get checked right away
Watch for sudden symptoms — if you see any of these, contact an ophthalmologist immediately:
- Sudden increase in floaters (specks, threads, cobwebs).
- Flashes of light (photopsias).
- A curtain or shadow coming over part of your field of vision or sudden peripheral vision loss.
These symptoms often precede or accompany retinal tears and detachment; early diagnosis improves surgical outcomes. (Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic)
What causes retinal detachment?
There are three main types:
- Rhegmatogenous — most common; caused by a tear/hole in the retina that allows vitreous fluid to collect under the retina. Aging and posterior vitreous detachment are frequent contributors. (Mayo Clinic, AAO)
- Tractional — scar tissue on the retinal surface (often from diabetic eye disease) pulls the retina off. (Cleveland Clinic)
- Exudative — fluid builds under the retina without a tear (can be from inflammation, tumors, or vascular disease). (Mayo Clinic)
If you have diabetes, high myopia, prior eye surgery/trauma, or a family history, your risk is higher — regular dilated retinal exams help detect problems early. (Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic)
Diagnosis: how retinal detachments are evaluated
Diagnosis is made by a dilated retinal exam and often supported with imaging such as optical coherence tomography (OCT), wide-field fundus photography, and ultrasound when view is limited. These tests help map tears, determine whether the macula is involved, and guide surgical planning. (Cleveland Clinic, Mayo Clinic)
Treatment options — tailored to your eye
Surgery is the primary treatment for most retinal detachments. The common approaches are:
- Pars plana vitrectomy (PPV / vitrectomy): removal of the vitreous, repair of all tears with laser/cryotherapy, and placement of an air/gas/oil bubble to reattach the retina. Gas absorbs over weeks; oil is removed later if used. (Cleveland Clinic)
- Scleral buckle: a silicone band placed around the eye to indent the wall and close retinal breaks; often combined with laser/cryotherapy. (Cleveland Clinic)
- Pneumatic retinopexy: an office-based option for selected small superior detachments — a gas bubble is injected to press the retina back while laser/cryotherapy seals the tear. Post-procedure head positioning is critical. (Cleveland Clinic, Mayo Clinic)
Overall, modern surgical techniques achieve high anatomical reattachment rates (often around 80–95% depending on complexity); visual recovery depends on factors such as macula involvement and timing of surgery. (Cleveland Clinic, Wikipedia)
What to expect during and after surgery
Expect clear explanations and step-by-step planning from your retina surgeon. Typical points patients should know:
- Before surgery: pre-op evaluation, imaging, discussion of anesthesia and risks.
- During surgery: vitrectomy or buckle is done under local or general anesthesia depending on the case. Laser and tamponade (gas/oil) may be used. (ophthalmology.pitt.edu, Cleveland Clinic)
- After surgery: you may need specific head positioning (especially with gas tamponade), eye drops and short-term activity restrictions. Vision commonly improves over weeks to months; follow-ups are essential. (ophthalmology.pitt.edu, Cleveland Clinic)
(For details on step-by-step perioperative care and recovery expectations, see patient guidance from major retinal centers.) (ophthalmology.pitt.edu, Cleveland Clinic)
Why choose Dr. Jignesh Gala — Mumbai’s trusted retina surgeon
Big, bold line: Precision. Experience. Vision restored.
- Retina specialist: Dr. Jignesh Gala is a fellowship-trained vitreo-retina surgeon with deep expertise in medical and surgical retina care.
- Proven outcomes: Performed 1000+ vitreo-retina surgeries with consistently good results for patients across Mumbai. (Patient volume and outcomes are part of Dr. Gala’s established practice profile at Crystal Clear Eye Clinic.)
- World-class training & qualifications:
- MBBS — Grant Medical College & Sir J J Group of Hospitals, Mumbai (2006–2012)
- DOMS Ophthalmology — Seth G S Medical College & KEM Hospitals, Mumbai (2014–2016)
- FICO — International Council of Ophthalmology, London (2016)
- Refraction Certificate — Royal College of Ophthalmologists (2017)
- MRCS — Royal College of Surgeons, Edinburgh (2019)
- FRCS — Royal College of Physicians & Surgeons, Glasgow (2019)
- Fellowships: Comprehensive Ophthalmology & Medical/Surgical Retina fellowships at L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad (2016–2019).
- Clinical roles & experience: Assistant Professor at B Y L Nair & Charitable Hospital; international experience including Woodland Health PTE, Singapore; founder & lead surgeon at Crystal Clear Eye Care Centre.
Dr. Gala combines advanced surgical skill, fellowship training at world-class centers, and high surgical volume — the combination that matters when timing and technique determine vision outcomes.
Patient stories & outcomes (what patients can expect)
Patients often report gradual visual improvement over weeks after repair; full recovery may take several months and depends on whether the macula was detached and on individual healing. Your surgeon will discuss realistic visual goals before surgery and arrange the follow-up plan. For many rhegmatogenous detachments repaired promptly, anatomical success and meaningful visual recovery are likely. (Cleveland Clinic, Wikipedia)
Quick FAQs
Q: If I have floaters or flashes, can I wait?
A: No — sudden new floaters/flashes or a shadow over vision warrants same-day ophthalmic evaluation. Early treatment preserves vision. (Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic)
Q: Will I need more than one surgery?
A: Some complex detachments can require additional procedures; modern repair succeeds in the majority, but outcomes vary by case. (Cleveland Clinic)
Q: Can retinal detachment be prevented?
A: Not always, but regular dilated retinal exams (especially if you’re myopic, post-op, or diabetic) and protecting your eyes from trauma lower risk. People with diabetes must have timely retinal screenings to prevent tractional detachments. (Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic)
Book an appointment — local call to action (Mumbai / Andheri West)
For Mumbai patients seeking expert retinal care and diabetic eye screening, Dr. Jignesh Gala sees patients at Crystal Clear Eye Clinic — Andheri West. If you notice any sudden floaters, flashes, or visual shadows, contact us immediately.
📅 Book Your Consultation Today!
📍 Clinic Address:
B125, Laram Centre, Ground Floor
Behind Sunil Jewellers, S.V. Road, Andheri West Station, Mumbai
Find us on Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/enKhqMoWERDZsyTW9
📞 Call / WhatsApp to schedule: 7718885245
👩💼 Appointment Coordinator: Mrs. Vrushali Chande
🌐 Online & clinic pages: Crystal Clear Eye Hospital — Dr. Jignesh Gala Eye Clinic (crystalcleareye.in) — use online booking or WhatsApp for urgent retinal screening and same-day consultations.
Sources & further reading
Information in this article on symptoms, causes, treatment options and perioperative expectations was referenced from leading eye centers and patient resources: Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, American Academy of Ophthalmology patient materials, and University of Pittsburgh Ophthalmology patient guidance. For detailed clinical guidance see: Mayo Clinic; Cleveland Clinic; American Academy of Ophthalmology; University of Pittsburgh Ophthalmology. (Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, AAO, ophthalmology.pitt.edu)
