We see through our eyes—especially through the complex structure that forms our eyes. The light-sensitive tissue at the back of our eyes makes this possible. The lens focuses light onto this thin tissue, which converts the light into neural signals and sends them to the brain. This tissue is called the retina and its importance can’t be stressed enough.
Therefore, when this tissue is torn or detached, the world becomes a blur. The tear occurs due to the vitreous tugging on the retina. It can also occur due to eye injury. Next, the liquid vitreous enters the retinal crack and accumulates, which pushes the retina away from its usual position at the back of the eye. This leads to retinal detachment, which causes light flashes and a sudden decrease in vision. Sometimes a partial retinal detachment may just cause loss of peripheral field of vision.
The condition isn’t usually painful, however, it’s a medical emergency. It can lead to total or partial vision loss if treated incorrectly.
Let us discuss the best surgical options for retinal detachment used to treat and repair this condition.
Most scleral buckle surgeries are performed under local anaesthesia, which means you will be awake but your eyes will numb so that you don’t feel the pain during the operation. During the procedure, the surgeon applies eye drops to dilate the pupils so they can see the retina. The silicone band is attached to the eye and a sponge is stitched underneath the band, where the retinal crack has occurred.
Common risks associated with scleral buckle include infections, new retinal tears, repeated detachments and bleeding.
In this surgery, the surgeon injects a gas bubble into the eyes and positions the bubble over the detached spot to push the retina against the back of the eye. During the procedure, the surgeon will numb and dilate the eye. Some vitreous fluid may be removed from the eye and then the gas bubble will be injected, and pressed against the detached retina. The surgeon will allow the retina to move back into place and then use cryotherapy or laser surgery to close any tears.
Pneumatic retinopexy is considered to be less invasive and more effective. However, there are certain risks associated with it, such as eye infection, trapped gas in the eyes, and recurring retinal detachment.
During the surgery, anaesthesia is administered before the surgeon makes an incision in the eye’s outer layer. A microscope is used to view inside the eyes and a tool is used to remove the vitreous and other foreign objects in the eye. After the removal, the vitreous is replaced with sterile saline, gas bubble or silicone oil.
Vitrectomy is a more invasive surgery than pneumatic retinopexy. It’s used for bigger tears. The procedure carries certain temporary risks such as high pressure in the eyes, cataracts, and problems with eye movement.
Proper diagnosis and treatment can drastically improve your life if you have retinal detachment. For the best retinal detachment treatment in Patna, visit Laxmi Netralaya.