Retinal surgery may be required for certain conditions affecting the retina, such as tears or detachment. While retinal problems are generally associated with specific symptoms, they can only be diagnosed during an examination by a qualified eye doctor. If you experience symptoms consistent with retinal tears or detachment, seeing an eye doctor as soon as possible is essential to the repair and treatment of your eye. Contacting an optometrist near you at Epic Vision Eye Centers in MO and KA, if you have concerns about your eyes.
Who Needs Retinal Surgery?
Those suffering from retinal tears or detachment often require retinal surgery. The retina is the light-sensitive tissue in the back of the eye onto which the lens projects light. Sometimes, the retina tears or detaches from its normal position due to aging or other causes, leading to vision issues. Depending on the location and severity of the problem, your eye doctor may use different procedures to fix the tears or reattach the retina.
What Is Retinal Surgery?
Retinal surgeries vary in their complexity and invasiveness. Laser or freezing therapies are relatively simple and repair retinal tears by creating scar tissue at the point of the tear.
More common retinal surgeries, frequently used in combination with laser and freezing therapies, include:
- Pneumatic retinopexy, during which your eye doctor injects an air bubble into your eye to push the detached retina into place. Laser or freezing therapy then affixes the retina.
- Scleral buckle surgery involves placing a small, flexible band around the white part of your eye to reattach the retina. This procedure may also be paired with laser or freezing therapy.
- A vitrectomy involves the removal of most of the vitreous fluid from your eye, followed by laser or freezing therapy. Your doctor then inserts air, gas, or oil to stabilize the retina. Your eye naturally replaces the vitreous fluid over time.
Some procedures are performed in your eye doctor’s office or as an outpatient. More involved methods typically involve local or general anesthesia and may require:
- An overnight hospital stay
- Wearing an eye patch or having someone drive you home
- Avoiding physical activity for a period of time after surgery
- Keeping your head in a specific position for a day or two
- Follow-up visits with your eye doctor
Contact Epic Vision Eye Centers, Serving MO and KA
Regular examinations by your eye doctor allow for the diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of many vision issues. To have an optometrist near you examine your eyes or to obtain new eyewear, call Epic Vision Eye Centers, serving MO and KA. We will happily schedule an appointment to help with all your eye health and eyewear needs.