Retinal detachment Surgery
This webpage will give you information about retinal
detachment surgery. If you have any questions, you should ask your
GP or other relevant health professional.
What is a retinal detachment?
The retina is the inner layer at the back of the eye that
changes light coming into the eye into images that are sent to the
brain. Sometimes the retina can peel off (detach) causing your
vision to be blurred or a shadow to develop in your vision.
Most retinal detachments are caused by the jelly, that fills the
centre of the eye, shrinking and pulling on the retina. A retinal
detachment can also be caused by an injury or previous eye
surgery.
What are the benefits of surgery?
If the operation is successful, it should stop your vision
getting worse.
Are there any alternatives to surgery?
Occasionally the tear or hole can be treated without any
surgery, using a laser or by freezing treatment.
What does the operation involve?
A variety of anaesthetic techniques are possible including a
general anaesthetic or a local anaesthetic. The operation usually
takes between an hour and a half and two and a half hours.
Your surgeon can repair any tears or holes using a laser or by
freezing treatment.
Retinal detachment surgery can involve removing the jelly and
replacing it with air, gas or oil, or stitching a small piece of
silicone rubber onto the surface of your eye.
What complications can happen?
General complications of any operation
Specific complications of this operation
- Severe bleeding inside the eye
- Raised pressure in the eye
- The retina may become detached again
- Reduced vision
- Double vision
- Inflammation in the other eye
How soon will I recover?
You should be able to go home the following day.
Regular exercise should help you to return to normal activities
as soon as possible. Before you start exercising, you should ask a
member of the healthcare team or your GP for advice.
It may take some time before your vision starts to improve.
You should go to your optometrist (optician) for an eye test two
to three months after your operation as you will usually need new
glasses.
Summary
A retinal detachment is where the inner layer at the back of
your eye peels off. Retinal detachment surgery should stop your
vision getting worse.
Acknowledgments
Author: Dr Brian Fleck MD FRCSEd FRCOph
This document is intended for information purposes only and
should not replace advice that your relevant health professional
would give you.
Copyright © 2008 EIDO Healthcare
Limited
The operation and treatment information on this website is
produced by EIDO Healthcare Ltd and is licensed by Ramsay Health
Care UK.
The intellectual property rights to the information belong
exclusively to EIDO Healthcare Limited.
You may not copy, print out, download or otherwise reproduce any
of the information other than for your personal, non-commercial
use.
The information should not replace advice that your relevant
health professional would give you.
Hospitals offering this treatment