What is retinal detachment surgery?

Retinal Detachment Surgery
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What is retinal detachment surgery?

A retinal detachment usually needs to be repaired quickly. You may not have much time to think about it.

The retina is a thin nerve membrane that lines the back of the eye. You can't see without it. Detachment means the retina has moved out of its normal place against the back of the eye.

Detachment can lead to severe vision loss or blindness. Prompt treatment can restore good vision.

How is retinal detachment surgery done?

Surgery is the only way to reattach the retina. There are many ways to do the surgery. They include:

  • Pneumatic retinopexy. Your doctor injects a gas bubble into the middle of the eyeball. The gas bubble floats to the detached area and presses lightly against the detached retina. This flattens the retina against the wall of the eye. The retina reattaches.
  • Scleral buckling. Your doctor places a piece of silicone sponge, rubber, or semi-hard plastic on the outer layer of your eye and sews it in place. This relieves the force that is pulling and detaching the retina. The doctor may also use a gas bubble to flatten the retina against the wall of the eye.
  • Vitrectomy. Your doctor inserts small surgical tools into the eye. Then the doctor cuts the vitreous gel and suctions it out. (Vitreous gel fills the large space in the middle of the eye.) At the end of the surgery, silicone oil or a gas bubble is injected into the eye. This keeps the retina in place.

If a tear in the retina caused the detachment, your doctor may fix it during your surgery. This can be done in two ways. The doctor may use:

  • A laser beam that burns around the tear. The burn forms scars that close the tear. This is called laser photocoagulation.
  • A probe that freezes around the tear to fix it. This is called cryopexy.

After surgery for retinal detachment: When to call

Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:

  • You passed out (lost consciousness).
  • You have sudden chest pain, are short of breath, or cough up blood.

Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:

  • You have symptoms of an eye infection, such as:
    • Pus or thick discharge coming from the eye.
    • Redness or swelling around the eye.
    • A fever.
  • You have new or worse eye pain.
  • You have vision changes that aren't expected.
  • You see new flashes of light.
  • You have symptoms of a blood clot in your leg (called a deep vein thrombosis), such as:
    • Pain in the calf, back of the knee, thigh, or groin.
    • Redness and swelling in your leg or groin.

Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:

  • You see new floaters.
  • You do not get better as expected.

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The content above contains general health information provided by Healthwise, Incorporated, and reviewed by its medical experts. This content should not replace the advice of your healthcare provider. Not all treatments or services described are offered as services by us. For recommended treatments, please consult your healthcare provider.