What Is Retinal Detachment Surgery?

Retinal detachment surgery is a procedure to repair retinal detachment. It consists of introducing a material of silicone to put the tissue back in its original place.

There are other alternatives, though this is one of the most commonly used by ophthalmologists. Below you will find the most important details regarding this operation. Read on!

Why does loosening of the retina occur?

This structure resembles a thin layer that sits at the back of the eye, but it is quite complex from a microscopic point of view. It is thanks to the retina that we can see images clearly, which is why any damage leaves permanent consequences.

There are many mechanisms involved in retinal detachment and there is an accumulation of fluid behind the structure in each of them. This leads to gradual loss of blood supply and subsequent tissue death.

The solution may occur spontaneously in some individuals with risk factors. According to a Mayo Clinic publication, the most important are:

• To be over 50 years old.
• Having diabetes.
• Having a medical history with retinal detachment or having it in the family.
• As the latter, it is to have undergone previous ophthalmological procedures.

How does retinal detachment surgery work?

According to a publication by Texas Retina Associates, surgery of the retinal detachment involves introducing a band or sponge of silicone close to the retina. The latter is the white part that is visible in the eye, around the iris.

This causes a slight increase in pressure and a displacement of the structures in the eye to bring the retina back to its original place. The procedure requires some incision on the outer surface of the eye to insert the material.

The doctor may perform some additional techniques to prevent the recurrence of the disease. The most commonly used are laser photocoagulation and Cryopexy. In both cases, scar tissue seals the fractures in the damaged tissue.

Initial preparation

As with all surgical procedures, there is usually a brief stage before surgery, which consists of:

• Staying in bed to avoid sudden movements while waiting for the procedure to begin.
• The doctor or nurse may cut the eyelashes a bit and give some eye drops to dilate the pupil.
• Administration of anesthesia – it depends on the patient and the severity of the condition.

How is the procedure?

Depending on the severity of the retinal detachment, a retinal detachment surgery can last between one and two hours minimum. The general steps are:

• To make an incision in the retina.
• To place the silicone.
• Sewing the silicone structure so that it does not move.
• As the last to drain fluid that has accumulated in the retina.

It is also possible to perform the additional procedures mentioned in the previous section,  even though each of them has its own technique.

Expectations and healing after surgery of retinal detachment

The effectiveness of this procedure is usually excellent, although there are some complications (we will mention them in the next section).

There will be somatic pain in the first days of healing along with redness and constant tears. These symptoms will diminish as the days go by.

In addition, the doctor may give other indications such as:

• To rest, even if it does not necessarily mean lying down all the time.
• To apply a pat on the eye after the procedure.
• Periodically apply eye drops with antibiotics.
• To resort to painkillers such as ibuprofen.
• Not to drive or lift heavy objects.
• Not to fly.
• To wear sunglasses.

As the weeks go by, talk to your doctor to confirm the effectiveness of the procedure.

What are the risks of surgery?

There are times when the procedure can cause complications in the first few weeks, although this is rare. The main conditions are:

• Infections.
• Cataracts.
• Cataracts.
• A new retinal solution.

Therefore, talk to a doctor in case of loss of vision accuracy or if you visualize bright or foreign objects. Swelling around the eye and increased pain are other warning signs.

Surgery of retinal detachment is an effective option in an emergency

Retinal detachment is a medical emergency that can cause permanent blindness. Talk to an ophthalmologist as soon as possible if you notice the symptoms we have mentioned above.

As the latter, there are other effective procedures such as vitrectomy, but surgery of retinal detachment remains the first choice for many specialists.