Retinal Surgery – Important Things to Consider

Retinal surgery generally deals with reattaching the retina when it is pulled or torn from its normal position. The retina lies in back of the eye, sending visual information via the optic nerve up to the brain. If breaks or holes occur along this connection, it may cause total blindness.

Retinal detachment can occur at any age for any number of reasons. However, the condition is most common around midlife or later. Retinal detachment is sometimes caused by an age-related shrinking of the eye's gelatinous contents (called vitreous) away from the surface, leading to a tear.

Some of other factors that increase the likelihood of a detached retina are:

• Severe physical trauma


• Ocular infection or inflammation


• A previous cataract operation


• Glaucoma


• Nearsightedness


• A preceding retinal detachment in the other eye


• Family history of detached retinas


• Weak retinal areas (can be detected by an ophthalmologist during eye exams)

Some retinal detachments are caused by diabetes or abnormalities in the development of the eye.

Preventive Measures

If you experience visual disturbances, such as dark spots, light flashes, and wavy or blurry vision, consult your ophthalmologist immediately. Retinal detachment is a serious, but easily treated condition.

However, prompt corrective surgery is crucial to preventing permanent damage to your vision. If left alone too long, retinal detachment can lead to your complete blindness or the shrinking of your eye.

That is why it is essential to have regular checkups with your ophthalmologist. More often than not, the weakness and vulnerability of the retina can be detected through eye exams.

When retinal detachment is confirmed, you will undergo several exams (e.g., opthalmoscopy, ultrasound) to determine which type of retinal surgery best suits your condition.

Risks in Retinal Surgery

There is no other alternative for repairing a detached retina but surgery. But just like any medical procedure, retinal surgery involves risks, such as:

• Bleeding


• Cataract


• Infection


• Pressure inside eye

Retinal surgery is a common procedure and is usually successful. However, a second surgery may be needed.

If the retina cannot be reconnected by retinal surgery, vision will become continually poorer until the eye becomes totally blind.

Benefits of Retinal Surgery

The foremost benefit is, of course, you will not lose your vision. Depending on the extent of the tear, it may take months for vision to improve. In certain cases, vision is never fully restored to the way it was originally.

This is the reason why early detection is crucial. Some patients with chronic retinal detachment still do not regain any vision despite retinal surgery.

Belated surgery may not do you any good because the more badly torn the retina is and the longer the tear has been present, the less likely it is that vision will return.

Visit your ophthalmologist the minute you experience any unusual visual symptoms.