Retinal detachment is a pathology that can be asymptomatic, which is why it is important not to neglect episodes such as: 
 

• Photopsia: sudden flashes of light that particularly affect the periphery of the visual field
• Myodesopsia: floating bodies that blur vision
• Vitreous haemorrhage: blood poured into the vitreous humour (vitreous gel, in contact with the retina)
• Scotoma: vision of a shadow (or 'dark curtain') in the visual field
• Rapid deterioration of vision, with perception of blurred images
• Sudden loss of vision

Generally speaking, the most frequent cause of Retinal Detachment is due to the formation of breaks or tears within the retina, which can appear as a result of predisposing diseases or conditions, such as: 
 

• Eye trauma
• Degenerative retinal diseases (e.g. high myopia)
• Positive family history of Retinal Detachment
• Consequence of eye surgery (e.g. post-cataract)

Retinal detachment occurs more frequently with ageing, but also affects young people with predisposing injuries. Particular consideration is given to detachment after ocular contusion trauma (e.g. as a result of sports injuries).

In the case of a Retinal Detachment, early diagnosis is essential in order to reduce the consequences. During the examination, the ophthalmologist instils some eye drops to dilate the pupils and performs a series of thorough examinations to establish the extent and type of Retinal Detachment:
 

• Examination of the ocular fundus by indirect ophthalmoscopy
• Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT): to assess the involvement of the macular region (macula ON/OFF)
• B-SCAN ultrasound useful if the fundus is difficult to explore due to cataracts or vitreous haemorrhage
• Measurement of eye pressure

Retinal detachment must be treated surgically as soon as possible to avoid complications inherent in functional loss of vision, eyeball atrophy and, although rarer, the development of neovascular glaucoma.

Treatment may vary depending on the type of detachment: 
 

• Ab-external surgery (scleral buckle), when the intervention is made on the outer layer of the eye
• Ab-internal (vitrectomy), when the vitreous body of the eye is removed and the retina is repositioned from the inside of the eye
• Argon laser photocoagulation for localised retinal elevations

It may vary depending on the clinical complexity and the type of surgery. In the first instance we must calculate a minimum of 7 days to one month of absolute rest post-surgery.