Retinal detachment surgery: procedures, risks, etc. • hello healthy

Definition

What is a retinal detachment?

The retina is the inner layer at the back of the eyeball that converts light entering the eye into images that are sent to the brain. The retina can peel off and make the vision blurry and shaded. In most cases, this condition is caused by shrinkage of the eye and tearing of the retina by a gel-like substance that fills the center of the eye. Retinal detachment can also be caused by previous eye injuries or surgeries.

When do I need retinal detachment surgery?

If the retina has been torn, the doctor may give you surgery. The surgical procedure can be performed together with photocoagulation or cryopexy. The surgeon needs a detailed description of the condition of your retina before determining the appropriate medical treatment.

Precautions & warnings

What should I pay attention to before undergoing retinal detachment surgery?

Retinal tears or holes can be treated without any surgery. This treatment uses laser (photocoagulation) or freezing (cryopexy). Sometimes, some people need a second operation for the treatment to be successful. The eye surgery that is performed does not always work to reattach the retina. A retina that has been replaced also does not guarantee that your vision will be normal. How good your vision is post-surgery depends on the condition of the center of the retina (macula) which is affected by the preoperative detachment. Recovery of the eye after retinal detachment surgery may take several months. However, in some cases, patients whose vision was irreversible were found.

Process

What should I do before undergoing retinal detachment surgery?

In the preparation stage for surgery, make sure you tell your doctor about your health condition, any medications you are taking, or any allergies you have. The anesthetist will explain the anesthesia procedure and give further instructions. Make sure you follow all the doctor's instructions including the prohibition of eating and drinking before surgery. In general, you are required to fast for six hours before the surgery. However, you may be allowed to drink beverages such as coffee a few hours before the surgery.

How is the retinal detachment surgery process?

Various anesthetic techniques may be used in this process. The operation usually takes 90 minutes to two hours. The surgeon can repair a tear or hole in the retina using a laser or a clotting technique. Particularly through surgery, retinal detachment can be treated by removing the gel in the middle of the eye and replacing it with air bubbles, gas or silicone oil. Additionally, doctor the surface of your eye.

What should I do after having retinal detachment surgery?

After the surgical procedure, you are allowed to go home the next day. Avoid swimming or lifting anything heavy before consulting your surgeon. Regular exercise has been shown to improve health in the long term. But before you decide to exercise, ask your doctor for advice. New glasses may be suggested to improve your visual acuity. The doctor will then arrange an eye test about a month after the surgery. It will take some time for your vision to restore.

Complications

What complications can occur?

Every surgical procedure has its own risks, including retinal detachment surgery. The surgeon will explain all kinds of risks that may occur after surgery. Common complications that can occur after surgery are the aftereffects of anesthesia, excessive bleeding, or blood clots in deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

For retinal detachment surgery, complications that can occur are:

heavy bleeding into the eye

increased pressure in the eye

the retina can be torn back / torn back

limited vision

shadowed vision

inflammation of the next eye

You can reduce your risk of complications by following your doctor's directions before surgery, such as fasting and stopping certain medications.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.