Retinal Detachment – Its Surgery & Treatment
About Author: Dr. Kunal Rana is one of the top Retina Surgeons in Delhi. He excels in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the retina, uvea & neuro-ophthalmology.
Retinal Detachment – Its Surgery & Treatment
About Author: Dr. Kunal Rana is one of the top Retina Surgeons in Delhi. He excels in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the retina, uvea & neuro-ophthalmology.
Before we move to Retinal Detachment, we have to understand what is Retina
What is Retina?
RETINA is the innermost layer of the eye. It is made up of nerves. Its main function is to capture the image seen by the eye and to send it to the brain. It is made of 10 layers.
What is Retinal Detachment?
When the retina gets detached from its place and fluid seeps in between the Outer layer (RPE) and the neurosensory retina, it causes Retinal Detachment. It can be because of a retinal hole or a tear through which liquified vitreous (gel in front of the eye) can seep in through that opening and detach the retina. Another cause is developing traction over the retina in cases of diabetes or venous occlusions, which pulls the retina and detaches it from its place. Both of these types of detachments need surgical correction.
What is the treatment for Retinal Detachment?
Retinal detachment surgery is a complicated surgery of the eye in which the fluid beneath the retina is removed, the retinal tears are sealed (Laser or Cryo), and the retina is brought back to its place. A tamponade may be put in place to push the retina back and to keep it attached in its position.
Retinal detachment surgery can be a Scleral Buckle Surgery or one with Vitrectomy Surgery.
In Scleral Buckling, a silicon tyre or band is placed around the eyeball. In Vitrectomy, the vitreous gel inside the eye is removed, the subretinal fluid is aspirated, the laser is done, and tamponade is put.
When should the Retinal Detachment Surgery be done?
The retinal detachment surgery needs to be done as early as possible. The longer the retina stays away from its position, the more difficult it becomes to attach it. The recovery of vision also depends on the duration of retinal detachment — the later the surgery, the lesser the vision recovery.
Who does the Retinal Detachment Surgery?
A Vitreo Retina Surgeon or Retina Specialist trained in Vitreo Retina surgery is the best doctor for retinal detachment surgery in India. There are many retina specialists in Delhi. Dr. Kunal Rana is one of the top retina specialists performing this surgery in Rohini.
Will I need to be admitted for the Retinal Detachment Surgery?
At Rana Eye Centre, we don’t keep the patients overnight. It is a daycare surgery, which means you walk in, get the surgery, and are discharged after some time once the doctor ensures that you are comfortable and stable.
What is the duration of Retina Surgery for Retinal Detachment?
A retina surgery can last from 90 to 180 minutes depending on the surgery and the duration of the detachment.
Can the Retina detach again after the Retinal Detachment Surgery?
Yes, the retina can detach again. Nearly 20–30% of cases can have a redetachment for which the surgery may have to be repeated. Higher chances of redetachment are there in cases having large tears, longer duration of detachment, young patients, and cases with inflammation. In rare cases, even after the best of efforts, the retina may stay detached and the surgery may not be successful.
Can my Retina be changed if it doesn’t get attached?
No, the retina once damaged cannot be replaced. There is no retina change operation or replacement operation. So, retinal surgery has to be done as early as possible to get the best results.
Do I have to maintain any position after Retinal Detachment Surgery?
You may be asked to lie in a face-down (prone) position for the first few weeks after the surgery. This is done as the gas or oil tamponade put in the eye will push the retina back in its place only if the face-down position is maintained. The position has to be maintained 16–18 hours a day.
