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Retinal detachment is when the retina comes off the inside wall of the eye. Without treatment, retinal detachment will almost certainly lead to blindness.

Detached retina

Symptoms

  • Flashes and floaters

  • Dark shadows in corner of vision

  • Blurred vision

  • Distorted image

Floaters obscuring the centre and dark shadow in the corner of vision

Retinal Detachment

Treatment of Retinal Detachment Vitrectomy:
Vitrectomy

This technique is more commonly used and involves removing the vitreous using very fine instruments through wounds in the sclera (white of the eye). The retinal tears are identified and the fluid under the retina is sucked out. A gas bubble is injected in the eye cavity to prevent fluid getting under the retina again. The gas bubble dissipates in 2 to 4 weeks and you may be asked to keep posturing (e.g., look down) for several days. Air travel is absolutely prohibited until gas is completely gone.

Scleral buckle

This is an older technique but still is the most effective option for many types of retinal detachment. A piece of silicone rubber is sewn onto the sclera to push the wall of the eye inwards, bring it closer to the detached retina. The buckle is permanently left in place. Buckle surgery is less comfortable than vitrectomy, and may lead to double vision.

  Gas Bubble  
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