This procedure is done to repair a detached retina in the eye. The retina is a thin sheet, made of light-sensitive nerve tissue and blood vessels, that lines the back of the eye. The sensory layer of the retina receives images and sends them to the brain. This layer can be pulled away (detached) from its normal position. This will result in a loss of vision. The retina often detaches from the back of the eye in a manner similar to wallpaper peeling off a wall. The detachment is usually preceded by a hole or tear in the retina.
This procedure is done to place the retina back into its proper position. It is used to try to restore vision.
If your vision was good before the detachment, a successful operation usually restores vision to good levels. If vision was poor before the detachment, final visual return may be slow and remain incomplete after surgery. A peripheral retinal detachment will likely heal quicker than one that involves the macula (central retina) or a total detachment.
The longer the retina has been detached, the less likely it is that vision will be restored.
Complications are rare, but no procedure is completely free of risk. If you are planning to have this repair, your doctor will review a list of possible complications which may include:
Factors that may increase the risk of complications include:
You will have a comprehensive eye exam, likely including some or all of the following:
You may also have a general medical exam prior to your surgery. This may include some or all of the following:
You may have either a local or general anesthetic. Local anesthesia will be injected and numb the area. General anesthesia will make you sleep. The type of anesthesia used will depend on the type of procedure, your age, and other factors.
There are several surgical options to repair retinal detachment. The most common are:
A flexible silicone band will be permanently stitched to the outside surface of the back of the eye. This is done underneath the skin of the eye. You would never see the band. This band acts like a belt. It buckles the area of the detachment or retinal tear to the wall of the eye. This procedure has a high success rate in re-attaching the retina. Local or general anesthesia is used.
A gas bubble will be injected into the cavity of the eye. The pressure will force the retina back into position. You will often need to lie in a special position to keep the gas bubble in place. The retina will usually re-attach within several days. A laser (heat) or cryotherapy (cold) will help seal the retina back into place.
This method generally has a high success rate. It is not suitable for all types of detachment. Local anesthesia is sometimes used. The main benefit of this procedure is that it can be done in the office with anesthetic eye drops.
This method may be needed for more complicated retinal detachments. It may also be used if the procedures described above are not successful. The fluid in the eye as well as any scar tissue will be removed. The fluid will then be replaced with a gas bubble or specialized oil known as silicone oil. The bubble or oil will help push the retina back against the eye wall. Retinal breaks will then be sealed with a laser or cryotherapy. A scleral buckle procedure is often done at the same time. Local or general anesthesia is used.
Between 1-4 hours
Anesthesia prevents pain during the procedure. During recovery, you may experience some pain or nausea. Your doctor can give you medicine to manage any pain.
You can usually go home the same day as the surgery.
Your eye will be covered with a bandage and metal shield. When you return home, do the following to help ensure a smooth recovery:
The final visual result may not be known for 1-2 years after surgery.
After you leave the hospital, contact your doctor if any of the following occurs:
RESOURCES:
American Academy of Opthalmology
http://www.aao.org/
American Association of Eye and Ear Hospitals
http://www.aaeeh.org/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Association of Optometrists
http://www.opto.ca/en/index.html
University of Ottawa Eye Institute
http://www.ottawahospital.on.ca/sc/eyeinstitute/index-e.asp
References:
Charles Retina Institute website. Available at: http://www.charles-retina.com/.
Digital Journal of Ophthalmology. Harvard University.
Kanski JJ. Clinical Ophthalmology: A Systemic Approach. 4th ed. Butterworth Heinemann; 1999.
The Schepens Eye Research Institute website. Available at: http://www.schepens.harvard.edu/.
Last reviewed November 2009 by Eric L. Berman, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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