Retinal Detachment Repair

Introduction

Retinal detachment is a potentially blinding retinal disease in which the retina moves away from the underlying tissue to detach it, resulting in permanent visual loss and complete blindness if left untreated. Surgeons perform retinal detachment repair to reinsert the retina and restore vision. Early diagnosis and intervention are the only ways to get a good outcome rate.

What is Retinal Detachment Repair?

Repair of the retina is an intrapalpebral procedure to shift the retina posteriorly to the posterior portion of the globe. At this stage, surgeons use various approaches to close retinal detachments, focusing on restoring ocular function and addressing visual perception impairment.

Why is Retinal Detachment Repair Needed?

Retinal detachment repair is essential for individuals experiencing:

• Sudden Vision Changes: Visual flash or shadow and/or dot vision field alone or in pattern with the visual field.
• Tears or Holes in the Retina: Untreated retinal tears can lead to detachment.
• Severe Myopia: High myopia increases the risk of retinal detachment.
• Trauma to the Eye: Physical injury can cause retinal damage.
• Aging-Related Changes: Degenerative changes in the retina with age.

Types of Retinal Detachment Repair

1. Pneumatic Retinopexy:

• That is the injection of a gas bubble into the eye retina to displace it.
• Suitable for small or simple detached.

2. Scleral Buckling:

• A silicone strap is wrapped over the eye and vascular occlusion is applied over the retina wall occluding tears.
• Effective for larger or more complex detachments.

3. Vitrectomy:

• Explants the vitreous of the orbit, substituting the native human vitreous with gas, silicone oil or saline and thereby reconstructing the vitreous and reattach the retina.
• Suitable for complex detachment or scarring cases.

4. Laser Surgery (Photocoagulation):

• Laser energy is used for the treatment of retinal detachments and retinal tears.

5. Cryopexy:

• Cryotherapy to close off and support the retina.

Procedure Steps

1. Pre-Surgery Evaluation: Ocular examination, including retinal photo test modalities, can quantify the extent and nature of the retinal detachment.
2. Anesthesia: Doctors administer anesthesia, either local or general, based on the surgical procedure.
3. Repair Technique: Surgeons reattach the retina using the most appropriate procedure, such as pneumatic retinopexy, scleral buckling, or vitrectomy.
4. Sealing the Retina: Tears and defects in the retina are sealed using astic, cryotherapy, or laser

5. Post-Procedure Care: Protective eye shields and drugs are indicated to accelerate wound healing and to avoid wound infection.

Benefits of Retinal Detachment Repair

• Restores Vision: Prevents permanent vision loss.
• Prevents Further Damage: Stops the detachment from worsening.
• Quick Recovery: Modern techniques offer faster recovery times.
• Preserves Eye Health: Ensures long-term retinal function.

Cost of Retinal Detachment Repair

• United States: $5,000 – $10,000 
• United Kingdom: $4,000 – $8,000 
• Thailand: $2,500 – $5,500 
• India: $2,000 – $4,500 

Best Hospitals in India for Treatment

India also boasts state-of-the-art ophthalmic hospitals with the ability to treat retinal detachments, including

• Metro Hospital Faridabad is well known for its state-of-the-art surgical techniques and its expertise in retinal medicine.
• Max Healthcare (Delhi) has state-of-the-art technology and expert ophthalmologists.
• Fortis Healthcare (Delhi) is a healthcare provider with documented integration of eye care service delivery.

Risks and Complications

Retinal detachment repair, while in general a relatively safe procedure, has the following associated risks:

• Infection: Rare but possible without proper postoperative care.
• Increased Eye Pressure: May require additional treatment to manage.
• Retinal Re-detachment: In rare cases, further surgery may be needed.
• Cataract Formation: Common after certain procedures like vitrectomy.
• Vision Distortions: Temporary or permanent changes in vision quality.

Recovery

Fixation of retinal detachment varies about the surgery (e.g., enhanced type of information masked by censoring, i.e.

• First Few Days: Swelling, redness, and mild discomfort are common.
• 2-4 Weeks: Vision gradually stabilizes; follow-up visits are crucial.
• 1-3 Months: Full healing occurs, and patients can resume normal activities.