Retinal Surgeries: An Overview of Procedures, Outcomes, and Post-Op Care

The retina is a thin layer of tissue at the back of the eye that captures light and sends visual information to the brain. Damage to the retina can cause significant vision loss or blindness. Retinal surgeries are specialized procedures to repair damage to the retina and save or preserve vision.

Here’s what to expect from a retinal surgery.

Common Retinal Disorders

Retinal Detachment:When the retina peels off from its underlying layer of blood vessels. Symptoms are sudden flashes of light, floaters and a shadow or curtain over part of the visual field. If not treated promptly can cause permanent vision loss.
Diabetic Retinopathy:A complication of diabetes where the blood vessels of the retina are damaged. It starts with mild vision problems and if untreated can progress to severe vision loss.
Macular Degeneration:An age-related condition that affects the macula, the central part of the retina responsible for sharp detailed vision. Can cause blurred or loss of central vision.
Macular Hole:A small hole in the macula that causes blurred and distorted central vision.
Epiretinal Membrane:A thin layer of scar tissue on the surface of the retina that causes blurred and distorted vision.

Types of Retinal Surgeries

Laser Surgery (Photocoagulation):For diabetic retinopathy and retinal tears, a laser is used to burn tiny areas around the retinal tear or leaky blood vessels and seal them off.
Vitrectomy:This involves removing the vitreous gel (the clear gel inside the eye) to access the retina. It is used for retinal detachment, macular holes and severe diabetic retinopathy. After removing the gel, the surgeon may use gas or oil to help the retina stay in place.
Scleral Buckling:For retinal detachment, a silicone band is placed around the eye to push the eye wall against the detached retina and reattach it.
Pneumatic Retinopexy:Less invasive than others, a gas bubble is injected into the vitreous cavity and the patient must maintain a specific head position to keep the bubble in place, which presses the retina against the eye wall and reattaches it.
Intravitreal Injections:Medications are injected into the vitreous cavity for diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration to reduce inflammation, prevent abnormal blood vessel growth and stabilize vision.

Outcomes

The results of retinal surgeries depend on many factors including the type and severity of the retinal condition, the patient’s overall health and the timing of the surgery. Generally early diagnosis and treatment are better. Most retinal surgeries have a high success rate and many patients see significant improvement in vision.

Post-Op Care

Post-op care is crucial to ensure the success of retinal surgeries and promote healing. Patients are usually advised to keep specific head positions. Eye drops to prevent infection and control inflammation are commonly prescribed. Regular follow-up is essential to monitor healing and detect any complications early.

For the best retinal surgery and eye care services in Sri Lanka, Vasan Eye Care has state-of-the-art facilities and expert ophthalmologists. Our commitment to patient care and advanced technology ensures high success rates and good outcomes for all retinal conditions.

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