Retinal Detachment Treatment

What happens during surgery for a detached retina and the recovery period?

Surgical procedures for reattaching the retina or repairing a retinal tear may include: – Performing a vitrectomy to remove and replace the jelly inside the eye – Utilizing scleral buckling, which involves placing a small band around the eye to bring the eye wall and retina closer together – Administering pneumatic retinopexy by injecting a gas bubble into the eye to push the retina against the back of the eye – Using laser or freezing treatment (cryotherapy) to seal the tear in the retina These procedures are typically performed under local anesthesia to ensure the patient remains awake while the eye is numbed. Hospitalization overnight is generally not required. Following surgery, patients may be advised to maintain a specific position – whether lying down or sitting – for up to 7 days. This positioning is crucial for optimal healing of the retina.