Advanced Retinal Repair and Vision Preservation by World-Renowned Specialists
Retinal detachment is a serious eye emergency that occurs when the retina — the thin, light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye — separates from the underlying tissue that provides oxygen and nutrients.
If not treated urgently, this separation can result in irreversible vision loss or blindness in the affected eye.
At Moorfields Eye Hospital in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, our UK-trained retinal surgeons perform precise, minimally invasive retinal reattachment surgeries using the latest imaging and microsurgical technology. Patients receive personalised care to restore vision, prevent further complications, and ensure the highest level of safety and comfort.
❓ What Is Retinal Detachment?
The retina functions much like the film in a camera, capturing light and sending images to the brain through the optic nerve
When the retina becomes detached from the eye wall, it loses its blood supply and can no longer process images properly, leading to blurred, distorted, or lost vision.
✔️ A retinal tear often precedes detachment, allowing fluid to leak behind the retina.
✔️ Once separated, the retina requires surgical reattachment to preserve vision.
✔️ Prompt diagnosis and surgery are critical to preventing blindness.
The condition is most common in adults over 50, but it can affect younger individuals with high myopia or previous eye injuries.
Causes and Risk Factors
Retinal detachment may occur spontaneously or result from other eye or health conditions. Common causes include:
✔️ Retinal tear or hole: Usually due to age-related changes in the vitreous gel inside the eye.
✔️ Severe myopia (nearsightedness): Thinner retinal tissue increases risk.
✔️ Eye trauma: Sudden impact or injury can cause retinal tears.
✔️ Diabetic retinopathy: May lead to traction retinal detachment from abnormal blood vessels.
✔️ Post-surgical effects: Cataract or other eye surgery can make the retina more fragile.
✔️ Inflammation or vascular disorders: Can result in exudative retinal detachment.
Previous detachment in one eye increases the risk (1 in 10 chance) of developing it in the other eye.
🔍 Symptoms of Retinal Detachment
Retinal detachment typically develops without pain, but it produces clear warning signs that require urgent attention:
✔️ Sudden appearance of floaters — black dots, specks, or cobwebs.
✔️ Brief flashes of light in one eye, especially in peripheral vision.
✔️ A shadow, veil, or curtain-like dark area creeping across your vision.
✔️ Blurred or distorted vision in one eye.
✔️ Gradual or sudden loss of part of the visual field.
If these symptoms appear, contact an ophthalmologist immediately — rapid surgical treatment gives the best chance of restoring vision.
ℹ️ Types of Retinal Detachment
There are three major categories of retinal detachment, each requiring a distinct treatment approach:
✔️ Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment:
The most common and urgent type, caused by a retinal tear that allows fluid to accumulate beneath the retina. This requires prompt surgery.
✔️ Tractional Retinal Detachment:
Occurs when scar tissue or abnormal blood vessels (often from advanced diabetic eye disease) pull on the retina.
✔️ Exudative Retinal Detachment:
Results from fluid leakage beneath the retina due to inflammation, tumors, or vascular disorders.
At Moorfields Eye Hospital UAE, advanced diagnostic imaging ensures precise identification of the detachment type for targeted, effective treatment.
🙋♂️ Who Is a Good Candidate for Retinal Detachment Surgery?
✔️ Patients diagnosed with retinal tears or full detachment.
✔️ Individuals with sudden floaters, flashes, or visual shadows.
✔️ People with severe nearsightedness or diabetic retinopathy.
✔️ Those who can undergo surgery safely and follow detailed aftercare instructions.
Early detection and immediate treatment dramatically improve surgical success and visual recovery.
Types of Retinal Detachment Surgery
The appropriate surgical method depends on the size, location, and cause of the detachment:
✅ Vitrectomy Surgery
The most common approach. The vitreous gel pulling on the retina is removed, and a gas or silicone oil bubble is inserted to gently press the retina back in place.
✔️ Usually performed under local anaesthesia with sedation.
✔️ The gas bubble gradually dissolves over several weeks.
✔️ Patients may need to maintain a specific head position post-surgery for optimal results.
✅ Scleral Buckle Surgery
A small silicone band is placed around the eye to push the wall against the retina, closing the tear and reattaching the tissue. Often used for multiple or large retinal breaks.
✅ Pneumatic Retinopexy
A minimally invasive technique where a gas bubble is injected into the eye to flatten the retina and seal small tears.
Your Moorfields retinal surgeon will determine the safest and most effective surgical plan tailored to your eye condition.
🩺 Consultation & Preparation
During your consultation at Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai or Abu Dhabi, the ophthalmologist will:
✔️ Perform a dilated retinal examination to assess tears or holes.
✔️ Use Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) and ultrasound imaging for detailed retinal evaluation.
✔️ Review your medical history and current medications to plan safe anaesthesia.
✔️ Explain your surgical options and expected recovery timeline.
You may be advised to stop certain medications, such as blood thinners, and to fast for several hours before surgery.
ℹ️ Recovery & Aftercare
✔️ Most patients experience mild discomfort and blurred vision initially, which improves within weeks.
✔️ Avoid air travel and altitude changes if a gas bubble was used.
✔️ Follow prescribed eye drop regimen to prevent infection and control inflammation.
✔️ Avoid strenuous activity, bending, or lifting for several weeks.
✔️ Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments for imaging and progress checks.
Vision recovery can take several months. The earlier the retina is reattached, the better the final visual outcome.
🔍 Why Choose Moorfields Eye Hospital UAE?
✔️ Backed by over 200 years of Moorfields London heritage in ophthalmic excellence.
✔️ UK-trained vitreoretinal surgeons with global expertise.
✔️ Access to the latest imaging, laser, and microsurgical technology.
✔️ Proven success in complex retinal and vitreous cases.
✔️ Personalized aftercare and rehabilitation support.
✔️ Trusted by patients from more than 90 countries worldwide.
Moorfields Eye Hospital UAE is internationally recognized as a leader in retinal detachment surgery and vision restoration.
💬 Patient Reviews
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Ali M. – United Arab Emirates
“Within hours of noticing a dark shadow, Moorfields scheduled emergency surgery. The care and precision of the surgeon saved my sight.”
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Sophia R. – Canada
“I can’t thank the team enough. They acted quickly, explained every step, and helped me recover my vision after retinal detachment.”
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Mahmoud A. – Egypt
“The staff were amazing. I had the vitrectomy procedure and my sight improved faster than I expected.”
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Laura K. – United Kingdom
“I flew to Dubai for treatment after being diagnosed abroad. Moorfields gave me world-class care and follow-up.”
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Ravi N. – India
“My retinal detachment was caught early. The Moorfields team performed a flawless surgery, and I’m back to work already.”
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Huda A. – Kuwait
“I was terrified when I saw flashes and floaters, but Moorfields acted immediately and reassured me throughout the process.”
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Miguel P. – Spain
“The technology and expertise at Moorfields are unmatched. I owe my vision to their incredible surgeons.”
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Nadia J. – Lebanon
“Exceptional hospital. The staff checked on me regularly and guided me through the recovery process.”
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George C. – Greece
“The operation was smooth and successful. My follow-up visits were thorough, and my vision has stabilized perfectly.”
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Fatemeh S. – Iran
“Moorfields gave me back my confidence. The team’s professionalism and care made me feel completely at ease.”
