Retinal detachment is a medical condition that, if not treated quickly and effectively, can have very serious consequences, including vision loss or blindness. It occurs when the retina (the thin lining at the back of the eye) starts to come away from the blood vessels supplying it with oxygen and nutrients. 

It typically only occurs in one eye and if left untreated will lead to the deterioration of sight in the eye. However, there are certain signs and symptoms that can warn patients that they may be at risk of a detached retina. 

Retinal detachment is caused when the retina is pulled away from the blood vessels as a result of ageing. Another cause, although much less common, is a direct injury to the eye area. 

Warning signs of a detached retina include: 

• Black dots or specks (known as floaters) appearing across the field of vision of the affected eye
• One large ‘floater’ or a ‘cobweb’ effect of little ones across the eye 
• Blurred vision 
• Short, sudden flashes of light in the affected eye 

If you experience any of these warning signs it is important to seek medical attention straight away. Failure to do so can lead to the worsening of vision and what many patients describe as a 'black curtain' spreading across their eye. 

In some instances retinal detachment may be missed or misdiagnosed by a medical professional leading to the worsening of your condition. In such instances compensation may be sought for the preventable damage done.  

Retinal detachment should be treated as quickly as possible in order to give the patient the best chance of keeping some or all of their eyesight. The problem can usually be rectified by the patient undergoing surgery although full recovery from such an operation can take a number of months. 

Given the intricacy of the surgery required it is imperative that this is performed correctly. If you have suffered due to poor surgical technique you may be in a position to make a claim.