A retinal detachment is a separation of the retina from the retinal pigment epithelium. The retina forms part of the light-sensitive tissue lining the rear of the eye.
Symptoms include sudden visual loss, often accompanied by flashes or floaters. Retinal detachment surgery at reputed ophthalmology clinics like Asia Retina (learn about the clinic and services offered on this page; https://asiaretina.com/) would be warranted in a case of retinal detachment to repair the retinal detachment, hole or tear to prevent the retina from losing its ability to function which may end up in vision loss.
What is the Surgery for a Retinal Detachment, and what are the Risks Involved?
The main goals of surgery are to correct any refractive error (nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism) and to seal off the area where the retina has come detached so that it stays in place permanently. The surgery usually takes between one and two hours, depending on whether additional problems such as macular hole need to be repaired.
During this time, an artificial intra-ocular lens may be inserted if a cataract or other issue has developed within the eye that would otherwise prevent clear vision following surgery. A less invasive treatment called scleral buckle is sometimes recommended for patients who are extremely nearsighted and have a macular hole. The scleral buckle is an injection of silicone that causes the scar tissue to form behind the retina, pushing it back into place.
An ophthalmologist can do the surgery for retinal detachment through 3 different types of incisions: limbal relaxing incision, pars plana incision, or scleral flap. Each type has its benefits and risks, which are weighed during the patient’s consultation with their surgeon.
How long does it take to recover from Surgery for a Retinal Detachment?
The amount of time you’d need to recover from retinal detachment surgery isn’t fixed but tend to vary from individual to individual. Generally speaking though, you’d need to wait for about 2 to 4 weeks before being able to resume normal activities.
There are many factors that will affect the healing process, including the extent of the detachment, the age and health of the patient, and whether or not any additional procedures were required during surgery. In general, however, most people will begin to see some improvement within a few weeks of surgery and will continue to recover gradually over the next few weeks.
What are the Post-operative Instructions that need to be Followed After Surgery for a Retinal Detachment is Performed?
A post-operative bandage contact lens will be placed on the eye. The patient should not wear glasses, sunglasses, or regular contact lenses until their doctor approves it.
They may only engage in light activity during the first week following surgery, and they should spend most of this time resting with their head elevated above heart level. Patients must also take antibiotics as directed by their doctor for two weeks to prevent infection.
Strenuous exercise beyond normal day-to-day activities should be avoided initially but gradually increased over time as symptoms improve. Prolonged periods of lying down or sitting can help reduce ocular pressure until it is at a healthy level.
Oral pain medication can be prescribed, but anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen and aspirin must be avoided immediately after the procedure. Patients should also avoid rubbing their eyes, getting any debris in them, smoking or drinking alcohol to reduce the chances of infection and adverse effects. Contact lenses should not be worn for two weeks or while sleeping, and eye drops will be required during this period of time to keep the eyes hydrated and prevent infection.
Are There Any Complications that Can Occur After Retinal Detachment Surgery?
Now, when you’re booked for a retinal detachment surgery, your ophthalmologist will explain their specific post-operative protocol before the operation. Some of the most common complications they may want you to know about include infections, bleeding, future detachment of the retina, or loss of vision due to pressure on the optic nerve.
Eye drops may be used during recovery to help restore any lost vision. Long-term results depend on how advanced the condition was at diagnosis, whether additional problems were already present in the eye (such as glaucoma), and how well patients follow their doctor’s instructions following surgery. Patients should expect some improvement within two weeks and full recovery within six months.
Retinal detachment surgery isn’t an overly complex procedure but one that requires a great deal of precision and accuracy. It’s important to choose a skilled and experienced ophthalmologist who will perform the surgery in a timely manner and provide you with all of the necessary care before and after your procedure. Just to be sure that your eye specialist is skilled enough to perform retinal detachment surgeries, here are five questions that will help you distinguish between the good and the bad.
- How many retinal detachments have you successfully operated on? As a general rule, a doctor who has performed more than 100 retinal detachments can be considered experienced.
- Have you completed the surgery by yourself or with the help of a team? Questions about teams are usually asked to help determine whether or not there is another surgeon available in case of an emergency, which significantly mitigates the risk.
- What equipment do you use for this procedure? You want to make sure that your ophthalmologist uses advanced surgical technology, such as lasers and ultrasound probes, rather than traditional methods, which have significantly higher risks associated with them.
It’s also important to find out what type of medical insurance plans they accept because most surgeries like this one require extensive follow-ups with other specialists (e.g., optometrists), which can get costly depending on your policy. Lastly, ask about their level of experience with each procedure, as some ophthalmologists specialize in cataract surgery but not retinal detachment.
When you schedule a visit with your prospective doctor, bring a list of all medical conditions and medications that you’re currently taking so they can determine if the treatment is safe for you or not. Also, let them know about any previous surgeries you’ve had to find out whether or not the same type of equipment will be used for this one.
Lasers, ultrasound probes, local anesthesia, and minimal downtime are important factors worth considering when choosing an ophthalmologist for your retinal detachment surgery. Make sure that your consultant is experienced enough in this area because it’ll make a significant difference in your recovery and, especially, your overall eye health.
In Closing
Even though retinal detachment surgery is one of the most complicated and delicate procedures in ophthalmology, finding an experienced doctor who can perform it efficiently will make all the difference. It’s best to look for reviews of your prospective consultant online or ask about their background before scheduling a consultation because you want to make sure that he is truly capable of performing this surgery. Let us know if you have any questions or wish to book a consultation for retinal detachment surgery in Singapore. Call: +65 6732 0007 or +65 9118 0007 to book your appointment.
Asia Retina – Eye specialist (Ophthalmologist) in Singapore, Dr Claudine Pang
#15-10 The Paragon, 290 Orchard Rd, 238859
+65 6732 0007
