What are the different available treatments?
Retinal detachment is a condition that can lead to permanent vision loss if left untreated. Appropriate treatment should be applied urgently. Treatment effectiveness depends, among other factors, on the
time between retinal detachment and its re-attachment. Different treatments are available depending on the type, location and extent of retinal tear and detachment.
● If the retina is torn but not detached, prompt treatment can prevent detachment. The tears can be repaired by applying laser around the tear. The generated heat forms sealing scar tissue around the tear
and prevents fluid from passing under the retina.
In some cases, the cryoprobe is needed. This probe freezes the various layers of the retina to induce similar sealing scar around the tear.
● If the retina is detached, the treatment is surgical. Urgent surgery aims to repair tears and reattach the retina. Retinal detachment can usually be effectively repaired with timely treatment.
With the vitrectomy, the vitreous is cut and aspirated. Air (or gas) is then injected to push the retina back into place to promote re-attachment and healing.
With scleral buckle, a silicone band is placed around the eye to re-approximate the eye wall towards the detached retina.
What to expect before the surgery?
Your ophthalmologist will assess the type of retinal detachment and determine the best type of surgery for you.
What to expect during and after the surgery?
The surgery is done as outpatient day surgery (you are not hospitalized) and it lasts almost an hour. It is done under regional anesthesia (The eye is completely anaesthetized) with a slight sedation if necessary. An
eyelid speculum is used to keep the eyelids open and prevent the eye from blinking during the procedure. Initially, the vision will be blurred after the procedure but it improves during the first few weeks. The
complete healing of the eye may take up to six months. The eye may be red and irritated for a few weeks after surgery. Your ophthalmologist will see you the day after surgery and then after 1 week. You
will have to take healing drops for about 3 months after surgery. You may need to update your glasses prescription after surgery at your optometrist’s office – consult your ophthalmologist to find out when it is
best to update the prescription. After surgery, you may have to undergo other procedures.
