What Is Retinal Detachment?
Retinal detachment is a serious eye condition where retina – a thin layer of tissue at the back of the eye – separates from its normal position. Since the retina is responsible for capturing light and sending visual signals to the brain, detachment can lead to permanent vision loss if not treated promptly. This condition is considered an ophthalmic emergency. Anyone experiencing symptoms such as flashes of light, floaters, or a shadow over vision should seek immediate medical attention from an eye specialist.
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Retinal Detachment Singapore Statistics
Retinal detachment is not uncommon in Singapore, particularly among ageing populations and those with high myopia. The incidence of retinal detachment is estimated to be around 10 cases per 100,000 people per year.
The condition is often linked to ageing or conditions like myopia. With Singapore’s high prevalence of myopia, the risk of retinal detachment is significantly greater compared to Western populations. This makes awareness, early detection, and treatment especially important.
What Are The Causes Of Retinal Detachment & Risk Factors
The most common cause of retinal detachment is a retinal tear, which allows fluid to seep underneath the retina, lifting it away from the underlying tissue.
Risk factors include:
- Ageing: More common in people over 50.
- High myopia (short-sightedness): Increases the likelihood of retinal thinning.
- Eye injury or trauma: Can directly damage the retina.
- Previous eye surgery: Such as cataract removal.
- Family history: Genetics may play a role.
- Other eye conditions: Such as diabetic retinopathy or lattice degeneration.
Understanding these risks can help individuals take preventive steps and seek timely care.
What Are The Symptoms Of Retinal Detachment?
Retinal detachment is painless, but symptoms appear suddenly and may worsen quickly. Key warning signs include:
- Sudden appearance of floaters (black spots or cobweb-like shapes)
- Bright flashes of light in one or both eyes
- A shadow or curtain effect spreading across the field of vision
- Blurred or distorted central vision
Anyone who experiences these symptoms should treat them as an emergency and consult an ophthalmologist immediately.
Screening & Prevention
While the condition cannot always be prevented, early detection is possible through regular eye screening.
Preventive measures include:
- Routine eye examinations: Especially for individuals with high myopia or a family history of retinal disease.
- Prompt treatment of retinal tears or holes: Laser therapy or cryotherapy can seal weak areas before detachment occurs.
- Protective eyewear: To prevent trauma during sports or high-risk activities.
- Blood sugar control: For diabetic patients, as uncontrolled diabetes increases retinal risks.
Retinal Detachment Treatments
The choice of treatment depends on the type, severity, and location of detachment. Common surgical methods include:
- Photocoagulation – This procedure creates burns in the retina with the help of a laser. It creates scar tissue that bind the retina with the underlying tissue to seal retinal tears.
- Cryopexy – This if often used in advanced cases of detachment. It involves freezing the area around the hole or tear in order to create binding scar tissue.
- Pneumatic retinopexy – This is the recommended procedure in cases whereby detachment has occurred. Cryopexy is actually the first step in the procedure. Following that, a gas-filled bubble is injected and it then expands for about seventy-two hours. It pushes against the back of the eye, and forces the retina to reattach.
- Scleral buckling – This is also a commonly used procedure. A substance like silicone is sewed to the wall of the eye which closes the tear.
With prompt treatment, over 80–90% of cases can be successfully repaired with a single operation, though vision recovery depends on the extent of damage before surgery.
Cost Of Retinal Detachment Treatment
In Singapore, recommended surgical fees for retinal detachment are published under the Ministry of Health’s Table of Surgical Procedures (TOSP). Costs vary depending on complexity and surgical approach:
For example:
- Grid And Focal Laser Photocoagulation (TOSP SL704R): S$1,800 – S$2,900
- Retina Cryotherapy (Unilateral) (TOSP SL803R): S$2,200 – S$2,800
- Pneumatic Retinopexy (TOSP SL701R): S$3,000 – S$4,800
- Retina Buckling (TOSP SL801R): S$5,600 – S$9,200
Data accessed Sep 2025
Additional costs may include surgeon’s fees, anaesthetist’s fees, facility charges, and consumables. Patients can often use MediSave and insurance to offset part of the bill.
Our Preferred Doctors (Ophthalmologist)
If you are looking for an eye specialist for retinal detachment treatment, you can consider our Preferred Doctors:
- Dr Lee Shu Yen is a senior eye specialist with extensive experience in managing cataracts, medical retina conditions, and complex general ophthalmology cases. She has over two decades of clinical experience in both public and private healthcare, and strong expertise in cataract and retinal disease management.
[SG] Featured Doctor- Dr Kevin Koo
Contact Us For An Appointment
If you are experiencing sudden floaters, flashes, or vision loss, do not delay. Retinal detachment is an emergency that requires urgent treatment to prevent blindness.
Click the button below to contact us and we will assist you in scheduling an appointment with an experienced ophthalmologist in Singapore.
Contact UsPreferred Doctor: Dr Lee Shu Yen (Ophthalmologist)
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
No, the condition is painless. However, it causes sudden vision changes, such as floaters, flashes, or a shadow in vision.
No, it does not heal without treatment. Surgery is required to reattach the retina and preserve vision.
It is considered a medical emergency. Surgery should be performed as soon as possible, ideally within days, to maximise the chance of saving vision.
Success rates are high, with over 80–90% of cases reattached successfully in a single operation. However, vision recovery depends on how quickly treatment is received.
Yes, in some cases, a second detachment can occur. Regular follow-ups with your ophthalmologist are crucial to monitor eye health after surgery.
All content on this site is informative only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and should never be relied upon for specific medical advice. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 995 immediately or go to the nearest Accident & Emergency department.
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