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Retinal Detachment Surgery/Repair
Retinal Detachment is a condition where there is a separation of the layers of the retina, usually due to a tear, or membranes caused by diabetes, vein occlusions or inflammatory conditions (uveitis). It is usually heralded by the sudden onset of floaters, flashes, or a shadow or curtain in your field of vision.
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
Floater & Flashes of Light: the eyeball is filled with thick vitreous gel. As we age the gel becomes less viscous. As the vitreous becomes liquefied and pulls away from the retina, it becomes somewhat condensed and stringy and forms strands that may be perceived as floaters.
TREATMENT
Photo courtesy of American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO)
Depending on what your case is, the doctor may recommend Pars Plana Vitrectomy, Scleral Buckling, Pneumatic Retinopexy, or combination treatment. Most can be done in an outpatient setting, but if the procedure will take a long time, we may recommend hospital admission. Your doctor will recommend the best option for you.
To keep the retina in place, your Retina Surgeon may put special long-acting gases or medical-grade silicone oil. Intraocular gases may need air travel restrictions, and positioning, for a certain period of time. Oils may need removal at a future date.
A Retina Specialist is an Ophthalmologist who, in addition to a 3-year residency program, trains for another year or two to perform Retina and/or Vitreous Surgery.
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