Treatment of Detached Retina
Treatment of detached retina aims to reattach the retina to its normal position and preserve or restore vision. Because a detached retina will not heal on its own, surgical intervention is almost always necessary. The specific type of surgery depends on the cause, extent, and location of the detachment.
Laser Photocoagulation
Used for small retinal tears or holes before detachment occurs
A laser creates burns around the tear to form scar tissue
The scar seals the retina to the underlying tissue, preventing fluid from entering
This treatment is usually quick, performed in a clinic, and requires no hospital stay.
Cryopexy (Freezing Therapy)
Involves freezing the area around the retinal tear
Causes inflammation and scarring to secure the retina
Often combined with other surgical techniques
Vitrectomy Treatment of Detached Retina
A common procedure for larger or more complex detachments
Removes the vitreous gel pulling on the retina
The surgeon then fills the eye with a gas bubble or silicone oil to hold the retina in place
Performed under local or general anaesthetic, with a recovery period of several weeks
The body slowly reabsorbs gas bubbles, while the surgeon may need to remove silicone oil in a second surgery.
Scleral Buckle
The surgeon places a silicone band around the white part of the eye (sclera)
This indents the wall of the eye, relieving traction on the retina
Often used in rhegmatogenous detachment, especially in younger patients
Pneumatic Retinopexy
A gas bubble is injected into the vitreous cavity
The patient must maintain a specific head position to keep the bubble over the retinal tear
The bubble pushes the retina back into place, followed by laser or cryopexy
Recovery and Follow-Up
Most procedures are successful after one operation
Vision may take weeks or months to improve
Follow-up visits are essential to monitor healing and manage complications
In summary, treatment of detached retina involves specialised surgery tailored to the type and severity of detachment. Early intervention dramatically increases the chance of visual recovery.
[Next: Complications and Recovery from Detached Retina →]
