Our Summary

This study looked at the effectiveness of a type of eye surgery, called scleral buckling, in patients with a specific type of retinal detachment called rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. The researchers checked whether the retina was back in place three months after the surgery and whether the patient’s vision improved. They also looked at complications that happened during and after the surgery.

The study used the medical records of patients who had this surgery at the Cantonal Hospital of St. Gallen between 2005 and 2014.

The results showed that in about 90% (165 out of 184) of the patients, the retina was back in place three months after the surgery. The patient’s vision improved by an average of about 5 letters on a standard eye chart.

Few complications occurred. During the surgery, one patient had bleeding under the retina. After the surgery, about 13% of the patients had to have the buckle material removed because it was causing problems. A few patients had to have another surgery called a vitrectomy because of problems like a membrane on the retina, a hole in the macula (a part of the retina), or cloudiness in the vitreous (the gel-like substance in the eye).

The conclusion is that scleral buckling is an effective treatment for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment with relatively few complications.

FAQs

  1. What is the success rate of the scleral buckling surgery for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment?
  2. What complications can occur during and after the scleral buckling surgery?
  3. How much improvement in vision can be expected after the scleral buckling surgery for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment?

Doctor’s Tip

One important tip a doctor might give a patient about retinal detachment surgery is to follow all post-operative instructions carefully. This may include avoiding activities that could put strain on the eyes, using any prescribed eye drops or medications as directed, and attending all follow-up appointments to monitor healing and vision improvement. It’s also important to report any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor promptly. By following these instructions, you can help ensure the best possible outcome from your surgery.

Suitable For

Patients with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment are typically recommended for retinal detachment surgery, particularly scleral buckling, as shown in this study. This type of retinal detachment occurs when a tear or hole in the retina allows fluid to build up under the retina, leading to detachment. The surgery aims to reattach the retina and improve vision.

Patients who have symptoms of retinal detachment, such as sudden flashes of light, floaters in their vision, or a curtain-like shadow over their visual field, should seek immediate medical attention. A comprehensive eye examination by an ophthalmologist will help diagnose retinal detachment and determine the best course of treatment, which may include surgery.

Overall, retinal detachment surgery is recommended for patients with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment to prevent permanent vision loss and restore visual function. It is important for patients to follow their ophthalmologist’s recommendations and attend regular follow-up appointments to monitor their eye health after surgery.

Timeline

Before retinal detachment surgery:

  1. Patient experiences symptoms such as floaters, flashes of light, or a sudden decrease in vision.
  2. Patient sees an eye doctor who diagnoses retinal detachment through an eye exam.
  3. Patient undergoes imaging tests such as ultrasound or optical coherence tomography to confirm the diagnosis.
  4. Patient discusses treatment options with the eye doctor, including scleral buckling surgery.
  5. Patient schedules the surgery and receives pre-operative instructions.

After retinal detachment surgery:

  1. Patient undergoes scleral buckling surgery to reattach the retina.
  2. Patient is monitored closely in the immediate post-operative period for any complications.
  3. Patient may experience some discomfort, redness, or blurry vision in the days following surgery.
  4. Patient attends follow-up appointments with the eye doctor to assess the success of the surgery and monitor healing.
  5. Three months after surgery, the doctor checks if the retina is back in place and if the patient’s vision has improved.
  6. Patient may experience improved vision and reduced symptoms as a result of the successful surgery.
  7. In some cases, additional surgeries or procedures may be needed to address complications or further improve vision.

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 case?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with the surgery?
  3. How long is the recovery period and what should I expect during the recovery process?
  4. What is the success rate of this surgery in terms of reattaching the retina and improving vision?
  5. Will I need any additional surgeries or treatments after the initial surgery?
  6. How experienced are you in performing this type of surgery?
  7. Are there any lifestyle changes or precautions I should take after the surgery to prevent future retinal detachments?
  8. What are the potential long-term effects of the surgery on my vision?
  9. How soon after the surgery can I expect to see improvements in my vision?
  10. Are there any alternative treatments or approaches to consider for my retinal detachment?

Reference

Authors: Neuhaus C, Valmaggia C. Journal: Klin Monbl Augenheilkd. 2023 Apr;240(4):481-485. doi: 10.1055/a-2040-3598. Epub 2023 Apr 25. PMID: 37164406