Treatment of Retinal detachment

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Retinal holes or tears can be treated with either lasers or cryotherapy (freezing treatment). These treatments only require a local anaesthetic as they are not painful procedures. Both treatments work by making the eye create scar tissue that then seals the hole. These procedures can often prevent retinal detachment.

However, if retinal detachment has occurred, the only way of reattaching the retina is with surgery. If the retina is not reattached, a complete loss of vision is almost certain. In 90% of cases only one operation is needed to reattach the retina.

Surgery for retinal detachment is usually done under a general anaesthetic, and requires a short stay in hospital (1-2 days). There are two types of surgery currently used: scleral buckling (also referred to as using encircling bands) and vitrectomy.

Scleral buckling is a procedure that involves putting pressure on the retinal detachment from the outside of the white of the eye. Fine bands of silicone rubber or sponge are stitched on, pushing in against the hole in the retina. These bands can be left on the eye, and should not be noticeable after the operation.

Vitrectomy works by removing of the vitreous (jelly-like substance) from the eye, and then replacing it with either air, gas or silicone oil. This closes the hole in the retina from the inside. Tiny stitches are then used to close the wound, which will not need to be removed.