Everything You Need to Know About Retinal Detachment Surgery

1. Everything You Need to Know About Retinal Everything You Need to Know About Retinal Detachment Surgery Detachment Surgery The retina is located at the back of your eye, capturing the light that comes into the eye and sending the information to your brain. In some cases, the retina can detach due to a tear, causing your vision to become blurred or to cast a shadow in your vision. Retinal detachment is considered a serious eye condition that requires urgent treatment to preserve your vision. What is Retinal Detachment Surgery? Retinal detachment surgery is offered to preserve your vision, preventing the risk of it getting worse. It is also offered to reduce the risk of the retina detaching again. There are some cases, such as a tear or hole that can be treated without surgery. This is done using a laser or by injecting gas into the eye. How is Retinal Detachment Surgery Performed? Some retinal surgeons will recommend a general anaesthetic, while others recommend a local anaesthetic. Local anaesthetic is injected around the eye to numb it, you will feel pressure but there will be no pain. Overall retinal detachment surgery takes approximate ninety minutes to complete. In most cases, retinal detachment surgery is also known as a vitrectomy or vitreoretinal surgery. It involves removing the gel like substance in the eye, known as the vitreous. It is replaced with a gas to help you eye retain its shape and keep the retina in place. The surgeon may stitch a tiny piece of silicone rubber onto the surface of the eye, keeping your eye pressed inwards to hold the retina in place. Often a gas bubble is injected into the eye, pushing the retina back into place. After this a laser is used to fix the position of the retina. Face Down Recovery Before your retinal detachment surgery, your retina surgeon may ask you to stay in a certain position. This can be lying flat or on your one side. This prevents the fluid from collecting under the retina, causing the problem to escalate. In many cases you will be required to stay in a face down position for up to two weeks. This involves lying face down for periods of time each day, helping the gas bubble hold the retina in place. Your surgeon will advise you on the recovery process before the surgery so you know what to expect. Risks and Complications Associated with Retinal Detachment Surgery All surgeries come with some level of risk and retinal detachment surgery is no different. There are some risks and complications you need to be aware of. These include: Infection Bleeding Increased eye pressure Chest infection Allergic reaction to the equipment used, any materials or medications involved Double vision Cataract development The retina detaching again Pain An Outpatient Procedure In most cases, retinal detachment surgery is performed on an outpatient basis, enabling you to go home the same day to recover. The surgeon will give you strict recovery instructions that you must follow. This will include not swimming or lifting heavy items for a period of time that can put your eye at risk. You will also need to ensure you have someone to drive you home from your retinal detachment surgery and stay with you for a few days to help you with your recovery, especially if you have to lie face down for extended periods during the day. A Common Problem Retinal detachment surgery is a common surgery, as the condition as a whole is something that is seen on a daily basis by retinal surgeons. The good news is that having the surgery should help you improve your vision, reducing the risk of your vision getting worse in the long run. About Us: Mahi Muqit is a leading consultant ophthalmologist, cataract and vitreoretinal surgeon at two private clinics in London, United Kingdom. He provides patients with superior service and support with a range of surgical procedures to meet their eye sight requirements. He has built up a solid reputation for his eye services in the London area as an expert eye doctor and surgeon offering surgical retina, medical retina and complex cataract surgery. He also offers surgery to patients suffering from diabetic retinopathy. Mahi Muqit is a member of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists, a member of the British and Eire Association of Vitreoretinal Surgeons and the UK and Ireland Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons. To find out more, visit https://www.retinasurgeon.uk.com/.