Our Summary

This research study looked at how effective and safe two different surgical treatments were for a specific type of retinal detachment that’s also associated with another eye condition called choroidal detachment. The two treatments being compared were buckle-vitrectomy (a common procedure for retinal detachment) and a two-step surgery using a liquid called perfluorocarbon for a short period of time.

The researchers reviewed medical records of patients who had these surgeries between January 2016 and July 2019. They found that both types of surgery had similar results. About two-thirds to three-quarters of patients had their retina reattach after just one surgery, and all patients achieved this after a repeat surgery. Most patients also saw an improvement in their vision after surgery.

The research concluded that both types of surgery were similarly effective and didn’t lead to serious inflammation or uncontrollable increase in eye pressure. Also, the two-step surgery using perfluorocarbon liquid didn’t cause any obvious harmful effects. This suggests that this two-step surgery could be a good alternative to the more common buckle-vitrectomy for treating this type of eye condition.

FAQs

  1. What were the two surgical treatments compared in the research for treating retinal detachment associated with choroidal detachment?
  2. How did the effectiveness of the buckle-vitrectomy procedure compare to the two-step surgery using perfluorocarbon liquid?
  3. Did the two-step surgery using perfluorocarbon liquid cause any harmful effects according to the research findings?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about retinal detachment surgery is to follow all post-operative instructions carefully, including taking prescribed medications, attending follow-up appointments, and avoiding strenuous activities that could put strain on the eyes. It’s important to report any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor immediately to ensure the best possible outcome after surgery.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended retinal detachment surgery include those with:

  • Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment: This is the most common type of retinal detachment where a tear or hole in the retina allows fluid to collect underneath, causing the retina to detach from the back of the eye.
  • Tractional retinal detachment: This type of retinal detachment occurs when scar tissue on the retina pulls the retina away from the back of the eye.
  • Exudative retinal detachment: This type of retinal detachment is caused by fluid leaking into the area underneath the retina, often due to conditions like age-related macular degeneration or inflammatory diseases.
  • Patients with symptoms such as sudden flashes of light, a sudden increase in floaters, or a curtain-like shadow over their vision, all of which can indicate a retinal detachment.

Overall, patients who are experiencing symptoms of retinal detachment or have been diagnosed with a retinal detachment are typically recommended for surgery to reattach the retina and prevent permanent vision loss.

Timeline

Overall, the timeline of a patient’s experience before and after retinal detachment surgery may look something like this:

Before surgery:

  1. Patient experiences symptoms of retinal detachment, such as sudden flashes of light, floaters in vision, or a curtain-like shadow over part of their visual field.
  2. Patient sees an ophthalmologist for a comprehensive eye exam, including imaging tests like ultrasound or optical coherence tomography, to confirm the diagnosis of retinal detachment.
  3. Ophthalmologist discusses treatment options with the patient, including the risks and benefits of surgery.
  4. Patient undergoes pre-operative testing, such as blood work and ECG, to ensure they are healthy enough for surgery.

After surgery:

  1. Patient undergoes retinal detachment surgery, either buckle-vitrectomy or two-step surgery using perfluorocarbon, under local or general anesthesia.
  2. Patient may experience some discomfort, redness, or swelling in the eye immediately after surgery.
  3. Patient is monitored closely in the hospital or outpatient setting to ensure the retina stays attached and there are no complications.
  4. Patient may need to wear an eye patch or shield for a period of time to protect the eye while it heals.
  5. Patient may need to use eye drops or other medications to prevent infection and reduce inflammation.
  6. Patient follows up with the ophthalmologist for post-operative appointments to monitor healing and vision improvement.
  7. Over time, patient’s vision may continue to improve as the retina heals and stabilizes.

It’s important for patients to follow their ophthalmologist’s instructions closely before and after retinal detachment surgery to ensure the best possible outcome.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about retinal detachment surgery include:

  1. What type of retinal detachment surgery do you recommend for my specific condition?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with the surgery?
  3. What is the success rate of the surgery for reattaching the retina?
  4. How long is the recovery process and what can I expect during this time?
  5. Will I need to undergo any additional procedures or surgeries after the initial surgery?
  6. What are the long-term effects of the surgery on my vision and overall eye health?
  7. Are there any specific lifestyle changes or precautions I should take after the surgery?
  8. How frequently will I need to follow up with you after the surgery?
  9. Are there any alternative treatments or surgical options available for my condition?
  10. Can you provide me with more information or resources to help me better understand the surgery and its potential outcomes?

Reference

Authors: Babu N, Kohli P, Kumar K, Rajan RP, Baliga G, Sen S, Ramachandran NO, Bhavani S, Ramasamy K. Journal: Int Ophthalmol. 2021 Jan;41(1):135-141. doi: 10.1007/s10792-020-01560-9. Epub 2020 Aug 28. PMID: 32860153