Retinal detachment is a medical emergency. You must get treatment as quickly as possible to preserve your vision. Surgery for retinal detachment is available through Miss Anna Grabowska’s clinics. You should ensure you book an appointment as soon as you can to protect your sight.
Understanding retinal detachment
Retinal detachment happens when your retina is pulled away from its correct position. The retina is a light-sensitive tissue layer at the back of your eye. To minimise risk to your vision, retinas must be reattached as quickly as possible.
A detached retina will impact your sight and lead to vision loss, so it must be treated quickly. Below we will explore the main options for treatment for retinal detachment.
Retinal Detachment Surgery Options
The surgery for retinal detachment is one of three procedures: pneumatic retinopexy, vitrectomy or scleral buckle.
The right surgery depends on several factors. You can discuss your options with your doctor before selecting the best choice for your circumstance. Let’s look more closely at each type of surgery:
Pneumatic retinopexy
This procedure involves your doctor injecting a small air bubble into your eye. The bubble pushes the retina back into place. The doctor can then use a laser or freezing treatment to mend any holes in the retina. The procedure is quick and does not usually require anaesthesia or a hospital stay. Your doctor will use a numbing medicine to prepare your eye before the procedure. Patients can usually see the air bubble put in place during pneumatic retinopexy, but it disappears eventually.
Vitrectomy
The vitrectomy procedure is quite similar to pneumatic retinopexy. However, it is a longer procedure usually carried out in the hospital. You will need a local or general anaesthetic, but most patients can go home the same day.
During a vitrectomy, the doctor will make tiny openings in the eye and remove most of your eye’s vitreous, the gel-like fluid that fills the eye. The doctor will then inject a bubble of air, gas or silicone oil into your eye to hold the retina in place. They may also carry out laser or freeze treatment to reattach or repair any damage. The procedure is quick and effective, but you must take time to recover and allow our vision to improve.
Scleral buckle surgery
Scleral buckle surgery involves using a flexible band around the sclera (white of the eye). The band pushes lightly on the eye’s sides and moves them inwards towards the retina. This process helps the retina to reattach. The band then stays permanently around the eye. Your doctor may also use laser or freeze treatment to repair holes or tears in the retina.
Scleral buckle surgery is usually performed under general anaesthetic.
Appointments for Surgery for Retinal Detachment
Miss Anna Grabowska provides a range of surgical ophthalmic procedures at King’s College Hospital in London. She regularly performs retinal detachment surgery and can provide emergency care. Get in touch today to arrange an appointment.