A retinal detachment is a medical emergency in the event that your retina detaches from it is normal position. For the intervention of Retinal detachment surgery is done to reposition the retina, to repair retinal breaks and also to put down the odds of permanent vision loss. As to what the best retinal detachment treatment is it will depend on the type and extent of the detachment and if the macula which is the central part of the retina is affected. Symptoms of a new floater, flash of light or a curtain like shadow should be brought to the attention of a medical professional at once.
Why Is Retinal Detachment Surgery Needed?
Retinal detachment may also be a reason to require surgery if the retina has fallen off already, and the laser or cryotherapy have not sufficed. Quick repair of a detached retina is important as it can progress and thus at large damage the vision.
Prior to surgery an ophthalmologist would do a dilated retinal exam. At Vasan Eye Care we do use the retina test to help the specialist determine the state of the retina in which case we are also able to design the best course of care.
What Happens During Retinal Detachment Surgery?
There is not one size fits all procedure for each patient. We may use pneumatic retinopexy, scleral buckling, vitrectomy, or a mix of these. Also we may use laser photocoagulation or cryotherapy to secure retinal breaks. What retinal detachment treatment is chosen depends on the type of detachment we are dealing with and the health of the eye as a whole.
For more info check out the National Eye Institute’s guide to surgery for a detached retina.
| Procedure | What It Does |
| Pneumatic retinopexy | Uses a gas bubble to press the retina back into position. |
| Scleral buckle | Places a flexible band around the eye to support retinal detachment repair. |
| Vitrectomy | Removes vitreous gel and may use gas or silicone oil to support the retina. |
For in complex cases we see that retinal detachment surgery may include the procedure of vitrectomy surgery. Here the doctor extracts vitreous gel that is pulling at the retina and also may apply laser, cryopexy, gas or silicone oil to get the retina reattached.
What to Expect After Retinal Detachment Surgery
Early in the process of retinal surgery recovery attention is given to the operated eye. Post procedure temporary redness, soreness and blurred vision may present. Vision improves over time which is in part a function of the degree of the detachment and if the macula was affected.
In some cases a gas bubble is injected which the patient will have to maintain in a certain position as instructed. Also to be avoided are flying and high altitude travel while the gas bubble is present which may cause it to expand within the eye. The National Eye Institute has put out guidelines which go into more detail on post op care.
| Recovery Area | Typical Advice |
| Eye care | Use prescribed drops and avoid rubbing the eye. |
| Activity | Avoid heavy lifting, strenuous exercise and driving until cleared. |
| Positioning | Follow the advised head position if a gas bubble is present. |
| Follow-up | Attend reviews so retinal surgery recovery can be monitored. |
How Long Does Recovery Take?
Retinal surgery recovery is a very individual thing. We see that it usually takes several weeks but that time frame is a variable. Post retinal detachment surgery what changes is that restrictions may vary according to the procedure, how the healing plays out and if gas or silicon oil was used.
Also a successful retinal detachment repair does not guarantee to return vision to previous levels. Timely assessment is key which in turn is influenced by the degree of the detachment and if central vision has been affected.
Retinal Care at Vasan Eye Care
At Vasan Eye Care which is what we at Vasan do is we begin with retinal detachment surgery and we put together an individual treatment plan for each patient. Should the care require it we refer to our surgical retina surgical retina services. Our goal is to reattach the retinal detachment treatment to what vision is left, and to support a safe recovery. Vasan Eye Care Surgical Retina Services.
Increasing pain, worsening of vision, severe redness, new flashes or a new shadow post surgery are issues to report.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is retinal detachment surgery an emergency?
Very often in fact.Retinal detachment surgery has a high priority in its surgical scheduling issue since by which I mean to say delay of retinal detachment treatment does have a high chance of causing permanent visual impairment
2. Is retinal detachment surgery painful?
Anesthesia is used during the procedure of retinal detachment surgery, therefore you will not feel anything at the time of the operation. Post surgery you may experience some mild discomfort.
3. How long is vision blurry after retinal detachment surgery?
Blurred vision is a frequent issue after retinal detachment surgery and may persist for several weeks. Time of recovery varies by the type of procedure and retinal condition.
4. Can the retina detach again after retinal detachment surgery?
Also, there is a chance of repeat detachment which is why follow up after retinal detachment surgery is very important in some cases which may require further treatment.
5. Can I fly after retinal detachment surgery?
Do not fly until the gas bubble in the eye is gone. Flying is very dangerous postretinal detachment surgery until your surgeon gives the all clear.