Get immediate emergency assessment if vision suddenly drops or goes dark in one or both eyes, or a new curtain-like shadow blocks part of your vision. Call 995 if there is facial droop, arm weakness, speech difficulty, collapse or another life-threatening sign. Do not drive yourself. MOH guidance on emergency care · Singapore National Eye Centre retinal detachment guide · HealthHub stroke signs
Sudden flashes or a new increase in floaters can accompany a retinal tear or detachment. Seek urgent eye assessment, especially if you also notice a shadow or a drop in vision. Sudden vision loss that clears still needs urgent evaluation. Singapore National Eye Centre retinal detachment guide · NNI stroke and TIA guidance
- Sudden loss or a new curtain-like shadow → get emergency assessment now.
- Stroke signs alongside vision changes → call 995 immediately.
- Note the onset time and which eye seemed affected.
On this page · Describe What Changed · If Vision Returns Before You Are Seen · Frequently Asked Questions
Describe What Changed
Say when your vision was last normal, whether one or both eyes seemed affected and what you saw. A dark curtain, a missing area, flashes and a burst of new floaters are useful details. Tell the team if the change came with an injury, headache, weakness or trouble speaking. Singapore National Eye Centre retinal detachment guide · NNI stroke and TIA guidance
If Vision Returns Before You Are Seen
Tell staff when it went dark and how long the episode lasted. Some circulation-related symptoms can resolve before examination. Seek emergency assessment even if your sight has returned. MOH guidance on emergency care · NNI stroke and TIA guidance
Frequently Asked Questions
Does retinal detachment have to hurt?
The key warning signs include a curtain-like shadow, new flashes or floaters, and a drop in vision. Act on those changes even without pain. Singapore National Eye Centre retinal detachment guide
Can I wait for an eye appointment?
Sudden vision loss or a new curtain-like shadow needs immediate assessment. Singapore National Eye Centre retinal detachment guide · MOH guidance on emergency care