Why is this procedure done?
The retina is the light-sensitive part at the back of the eyes. Sometimes, the retina comes loose from the back of the eye. A detached retina can lead to blindness. The surgery to fix this is a retinal detachment repair. The retina is put back in its normal place. This surgery is done to restore the eyesight. ‚
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What will the results be?
The surgery may help prevent blindness. ‚
What happens before the procedure?
- Your doctor will take your history. The doctor will do a physical and an eye exam. Talk to the doctor about:
- All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
- Any bleeding problems. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any drugs that may cause bleeding. Some of these are Coumadin ‚ ®, ibuprofen, Aleve ‚ ® (naproxen), or aspirin. Certain vitamins and herbs, such as garlic and fish oil, may also add to the risk for bleeding. You may need to stop these drugs as well. Talk to your doctor about them.
- If you need to stop eating or drinking before your procedure.
- You will not be allowed to drive right away after the procedure. Ask a family member or a friend to drive you home.
What happens during the procedure?
Some of these procedures are done in the doctors office. Other ones are done in the operating room. ‚
There are a few ways to fix retinal detachment. You will be given drugs to numb your eyes and keep you relaxed during the procedure. ‚
- Scleral buckle ¢ ˆ ’ Your doctor will stitch a flexible silicone band to the outside surface of the back of your eye. This will push the wall of the eye inward to meet the retina.
- Pneumatic retinopexy ¢ ˆ ’ A gas bubble is injected into the eye and pushes the retina back in place. Your doctor will ask you to lie in a position where you can keep the gas bubble in place. Your doctor may use a laser or cryotherapy to seal the retina in place.
- Vitrectomy ¢ ˆ ’ Uses very small tools inside the eye. Some or all of the liquid is taken out to lower the pressure on the retina. A gas bubble or silicone oil is put in its place. This lets the retina move back into the correct position.
- Your doctor may use a laser or cryotherapy to seal the retina in place. A scleral buckle is often done at the same time.
- The procedure takes about 1 to 4 hours.
What happens after the procedure?
- You will go to the Recovery Room for a few hours. The staff will watch you closely.
- Your doctor may give you drugs for pain.
- You can go home after the surgery.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain and swelling
- Prevent infection
- Relieve itching
What problems could happen?
- Bleeding
- Infection
- More pressure in the eye
- Detachment that may need more surgeries
Where can I learn more?
American Academy of Ophthalmology ‚
http://www.geteyesmart.org/eyesmart/diseases/detached-torn-retina-treatment.cfm ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚