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Retinal detachment is an eye emergency. It happens when the retina lifts away from the tissue supporting it at the back of the eye. Without prompt treatment, it can cause permanent vision loss, particularly if the macula becomes involved.
Warning signs include sudden flashes of light, a shower of new floaters, a shadow or curtain across vision, and sudden blur or distortion. If you have any of these symptoms, seek same-day assessment.
Treatment depends on the type and extent of the detachment and may include laser, cryotherapy, pneumatic retinopexy, scleral buckle, or vitrectomy surgery. Timing matters: outcomes are generally better when treatment happens before the macula detaches. Learn more about retinal detachment
Diabetic retinopathy is the damage that occurs when high blood sugar levels affect the small blood vessels in the retina. It can develop quietly for years before causing noticeable symptoms, which is why regular screening is so important for anyone living with diabetes.
In its early stages, diabetic retinopathy often causes no symptoms. As it progresses, it can lead to macular swelling (diabetic macular oedema), bleeding inside the eye, and in advanced cases, tractional retinal detachment. The earlier changes are detected and managed, the more options there are to protect your vision.
Treatment may include close monitoring and systemic risk factor optimisation, anti-VEGF injections for macular oedema, laser treatment for proliferative disease, or vitrectomy surgery for more advanced complications. Learn more about diabetic retinopathy
A retinal tear is a break in the retina, often caused by changes in the vitreous gel as it shrinks and separates with age (posterior vitreous detachment). Not every tear causes a detachment immediately, but a tear that is identified early can often be treated with in-clinic laser or cryotherapy to reduce that risk.
If you experience new flashes, a sudden shower of floaters, or any change in vision, prompt assessment can determine whether a tear is present and whether treatment is needed.
Macular degeneration (most commonly age-related macular degeneration or AMD) affects the central part of the retina and can make everyday tasks like reading, recognising faces, and driving progressively harder.
Dry AMD tends to develop gradually and is managed through structured monitoring, risk factor guidance, and targeted supplements where appropriate. Wet AMD involves abnormal blood vessels that can leak or bleed, causing faster central vision changes. Wet AMD needs urgent assessment because earlier treatment reduces the chance of rapid, permanent vision loss.
Treatment for wet AMD typically involves anti-VEGF injections on a planned schedule based on disease activity on imaging. Monitoring frequency is tailored to your stage and response. Learn more about macular degeneration
The vitreous is the clear gel that fills the back of the eye. Vitreous conditions including posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) and vitreous haemorrhage can affect vision directly and can also signal retinal problems that need assessment.
Vitreous haemorrhage (bleeding into the vitreous) can cause sudden, significant blurring or floaters. Some bleeds clear on their own; others need monitoring or surgical treatment, depending on the underlying cause and severity.
Laser is used in several ways in retinal care. Laser retinopexy creates a sealing scar around a retinal tear to reduce the risk of detachment. Focal or grid laser may be used in selected cases of macular leakage. Panretinal photocoagulation (PRP) is commonly used for proliferative diabetic retinopathy to reduce the risk of bleeding and serious complications.
Your first appointment will typically include a vision assessment, a dilated eye examination, and imaging where indicated. Depending on findings, we may recommend further investigation, a treatment plan, or a monitoring schedule.
Bring a list of your current medications, any relevant eye history (including previous surgeries or treatments), and details of your symptoms: when they started, how they have changed, and anything that makes them better or worse. If you have diabetes, bringing your latest HbA1c result is helpful.
Because dilation affects your vision for a few hours, it is worth arranging a lift home from your appointment where possible.
For planned visits and how to prepare, see our Your Appointment page.
A retinal detachment is an emergency and should be assessed the same day symptoms appear. Timing matters because treatment is generally more effective when the macula is still attached. If the macula has already detached, vision outcomes are more variable, though treatment is still important and urgent.
At minimum, once a year. The frequency depends on your retinal findings and other risk factors. If retinopathy is already present, more frequent reviews may be needed. Regular screening is the most effective way to catch changes early, when treatment options are typically simpler and more effective.
In most cases, the retina can be reattached with surgery. However, how much vision is recovered depends on several factors, most importantly whether the macula was still attached when treatment happened. When the macula is protected, central vision outcomes are generally better. If the macula was already detached, some central blur or distortion may remain even after successful surgical repair.
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Rediscover clearer vision
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E-mail: info@cityeyesurgeons.com.au
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