The retina enables us to see and appreciate our surroundings. It is located in the innermost portion of the eye. Composed of light-sensitive cells, the retina captures beams of stimuli that we, or more precisely, the brain, interpret as shape, color, and pattern. It’s basically what enables us to witness every movement, action, and splash of color unfold before us, so taking care of it is essential.
A retinal tear or a break in the retina may lead to retinal detachment and permanent loss of vision if treated late. Retinal detachment is a condition where the retina moves from its normal position and splits from the blood vessels that provide essential nutrients and oxygen. Without proper treatment, the retina will sustain permanent damage, resulting in rapid vision impairment.
Retinal detachment surgery is treatment procedure that brings the retina back to its proper position and reattaches it to blood vessels. It is a highly successful procedure that restores the flow of nourishment in the retina and re-establishes its normal functioning.
Symptoms
Acting urgently is important when talking about retinal tears and injuries. The development of retinal detachment can be quick so you have to catch up with that. If you experience the following retinal detachment symptoms, you have to visit an eye doctor immediately to determine your condition and the appropriate treatment for it.
- Blurry vision
- Seeing floaters or tiny figures that hover around your vision
- Empty circle in the field of vision
- Photopsia or flashes of light
- Curtain-like shadows that appear to close your vision
- Missing peripheral vision
If the doctor confirms that the retinal detachment symptoms you’re suffering are indeed caused by an eye emergency, you have to undergo retinal detachment surgery. Here’s what you should do and what you can expect from the procedure:
Before
The doctor will run an EKG and blood tests before you go through the operation. It is important to check if your body is ready and fit for any eye procedure, like a vitrectomy. Results will be sent to you a day prior to the surgery. You are expected not to eat or drink anything after midnight on the day of your operation. Local anesthesia may be used and food and liquid may prevent it from taking full effect.
Do not drink alcohol and inform your medical care provider that you’ve taken a certain drug a day before the surgery. Some drugs, like aspirin, cannot be taken when you’re about to go to an eye operation. Discuss this with your eye doctor and the expert who prescribed you to take the drug on a regular basis.
Go to the hospital at least 2 hours to 30 minutes earlier than scheduled so you can settle first. Wear comfortable clothes and do not put on makeup. After you do all of these, you’re now all set to take the procedure.
During
There are several ways to conduct retinal detachment surgery. Usually, the doctor will first apply anesthesia to your eyes so don’t worry; you won’t feel anything. A small amount of fluid will be taken from your eyes using a tiny needle, and then air will be injected into the eye. Using laser or cryotherapy (freezing), retinal tears and holes are patched up.
Another type of surgery involves draining the fluid under the retina, and then meticulously designed silicone rubber is stitched to the outer wall of the eye so that it pushes the retina back into position. Lastly, there’s a treatment option called vitrectomy. In a vitrectomy surgery, the vitreous, or gel-like fluid around the retina, is removed, and any breaks or tears are repaired using laser or cryotherapy. The eye is then injected with gas or silicone oil.
During the operation, it’s important to stay calm and trust your doctor to have a successful surgery.
After
Expect an eye patch that you have to wear for at least a day after your retinal detachment surgery. You may also be advised to stay in the hospital overnight or longer, depending on your condition.
When you’re finally discharged, have someone drive you home. Obviously, you won’t be able to drive and you also have to avoid activities that involve a lot of head movements and stress on the eyes. It’s typical that you’ll experience blurry vision for a few weeks. The eyes may also get swollen, in which case you can apply a gentle cold compress.
Take extra care of yourself. Don’t get any water or soap into the eyes, as they may cause irritation and further damage. Take some days off work to focus on healing and eat a healthy diet. Avoid fatty and sugary foods, as they may hinder your recovery.
Getting ready for retinal detachment surgery
Holes or in the sensitive part of the eye require urgent and immediate attention. Act quickly when you’re experiencing retinal detachment symptoms. Your doctor will conduct a surgery like a vitrectomy that repairs any damage to the retina to prevent irreversible vision loss.
