Many patients undergo retinal detachment surgery in London every year. It is quite a common procedure, so while you may be worried about the outcome if you need it, your surgeon is likely to be highly experienced in this treatment.
Miss Anna Grabowska offers retinal detachment surgery in London. Here we’re exploring the procedure in more depth and how the procedure works.
What is a detached retina?
Retinal detachment occurs when the delicate layer of nerves at the back of your eye (the retina) begins to pull away from the blood vessels that supply it with oxygen. If you have a detached retina it usually requires emergency surgery. If you do not treat the condition there is the risk it can permanently damage your eyesight or cause permanent vision loss.
Retinas usually detach due to one or more holes or tears in them. Most retinal detachments are associated to the natural ageing process in the eye. The process is common and known as a posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) and cannot be prevented. Patients should not worry that retinal detachment is a result of anything they have done, this is almost never the case.
Without treatment, retinal detachment can lead to blindness so it is important to act quickly. People with short-sightedness and those who have had cataract surgery in the past are at higher risk of retinal detachment. It can also be hereditary although this is quite rare.
Treatment for retinal detachment
Once your doctor has confirmed the retinal detachment or a retinal tear, you will need to undergo retinal detachment surgery. The surgical procedure works through sealing the retinal holes and reattaching the retina.
Sometimes, the operation involves replacing the jelly within the eye with a bubble of gas. This bubble can push the retina back. Alternatively, it may involve using a small band over the eye to push the retinal closer to the wall of the eye. Retinal tears and holes are usually sealed using freezing or laser treatments.
Most retinal detachment surgeries take place under local anaesthetic and patients are back at home on the same day. There may be some redness and soreness around the eye but your vision should improve quite quickly, though some blurring is common in the first few days. Recovery can take up to 6 weeks.
Appointments for retinal detachment surgery in London
Retinal detachment surgery is usually an emergency procedure. Arranging an appointment as quickly as possible is important. Get in touch today to discuss your circumstances and arrange an initial appointment.