Retina Detachment - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Answers by Dr Paul Zhao, Retina Specialist in Singapore

1. What is a retina detachment?

A retina detachment happens when the retina - the light sensitive layer at the back of the eye - pulls away from the underlying tissue. If left untreated, it can lead to permanent vision loss.

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2. What are the warning signs of a retina detachment?

Common symptoms include:

• Sudden onset of floaters (tiny moving spots)

• Flashes of light (especially in the side vision)

• A dark shadow or curtain over part of your vision

• Sudden decrease in vision

These symptoms are painless but urgent. Seek medical attention immediately.​

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3. Is retina detachment a medical emergency?

Yes. A detached retina is an emergency that need prompt evaluation by a retina specialist. The earlier is treated, the better the chance of restoring vision.

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4. What causes a retina detachment?

Common causes include:

• Age related changes in the vitreous gel (posterior vitreous detachment)

• Eye injury or trauma

• Excessive eye rubbing

• Previous eye surgery ( eg. cataract surgery)

• Family history of retina detachment

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5. How is a retina detachment diagnosed?

Diagnosis is done through a dilated eye examination. Dr Zhao may use:

• Ocular imaging (OCT, B-scan ultrasound)

• Wide field retina photography

These tests help to locagte and document the detachment and assess the severity.

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6. What are the treatment options?

Treatment depends on the type and location of the detachment:

• Vitrectomy: Microsurgery to remove the vitreousand reattach the retina

• Scleral buckling: A band placed around the eye to relieve traction

• Pneumatic Retinopexy: A gas bubble injected into the eye to push the retina back

• Laser therapy or Cryotherapy: Used to seal retina tears

Dr Paul Zhao performs all major forms of retina reattachment surgeryat multiple private hospitals in Singapore​

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7. Is retina detachment surgery painful?

The surgery is typically performed under regional anaesthesis with deep sedation or general anaesthesia. The patient may feel some pressure on the eye during the surgery but should not feel any pain.

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8. How long is the surgery?

Surgery should last about 1 to 2 hours for routine retina detachment surgery. Certain types of retina detachment, espicially chronic cases with extensive scarring may take up to 3 hours.

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9. What is the recovery like after surgery?

• Most patients go home the sam day

• You may need to maintain a face-down position for several days (if a gas bubble is used)

• Vision recovery can take weeks to months

• Follow up visits are essential to monitor healing

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10. What is the success rate of retina detachment surgery?

Dr Paul Zhao's success rate is over 90% for acute retina detachment cases. The visual outcome depends on how quickly the treatment was done and whether the macula (central retina) was affected. For chronic retina detachments (more than a few weeks) and redetachments with scarring, the success rate may be lower due to the increased complexity of the condition.​

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7. What is the risk of a retina detachment in the other eye?

If you've had a retina detachment in one eye, the risk in the other eye is about 10-15%. Preventive treatment with laser or cryopexy to areas of retina thinning can reduce the risk of a retina detachment in the fellow eye.

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Need an Urgent Retina Evaluation?

If you have symptoms of a retina detachment, do not delay.

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Dr Paul Zhao sees patients at:

Mount Alvernia | Novena| Orchard | Parkway East

Call +65 90668811 for an urgent same day appointment