Many people not unreasonably take this attitude once the problem is identified.

In such circumstances surgery, provided it is successful, will cut to almost zero the risk of a progressive retinal detachment. About 90% of asymptomatic detachments may be repaired with the first operation. If the operation fails, then it is usually possible to successfully repair the detachment with another operation.
Overall about 95% of all retinal detachments can be repaired.