Our Summary

Surgery to repair a detached retina is a common procedure. Ideally, it only needs to be done once. However, in up to 10% of cases, the retina detaches again and more surgeries are needed. This is a big problem for both surgeons and patients, as it’s emotionally and financially challenging to undergo multiple procedures. New technologies and techniques are helping to manage these repeat detachments. This paper reviews the causes and treatment strategies for repeated retinal detachment to improve patient outcomes.

FAQs

  1. How common is it for the retina to detach again after the initial surgery?
  2. What new technologies and techniques are being used to treat repeat retinal detachments?
  3. What are the potential causes for repeated retinal detachment?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about retinal detachment surgery is to follow all post-operative instructions carefully to ensure the best possible outcome. This may include avoiding strenuous activities, taking prescribed medications as directed, and attending all follow-up appointments. It’s also important to report any sudden changes in vision or other symptoms to your doctor immediately. Taking good care of your eyes after surgery can help prevent complications and promote successful healing.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended retinal detachment surgery include:

  • Patients with a sudden onset of symptoms such as flashes of light, floaters, or a curtain-like shadow over their field of vision, which are indicative of a retinal detachment
  • Patients with a history of retinal detachment in the other eye
  • Patients with a family history of retinal detachment
  • Patients with certain eye conditions such as severe nearsightedness, lattice degeneration, or previous eye surgeries
  • Patients who have experienced trauma to the eye
  • Patients with certain systemic conditions such as diabetes or sickle cell disease

It is important for patients to seek prompt medical attention if they experience any symptoms of retinal detachment, as early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent permanent vision loss.

Timeline

Before retinal detachment surgery:

  1. Patient may experience symptoms such as sudden onset of flashes of light, floaters in vision, or a shadow or curtain across the field of vision.
  2. Patient visits an eye doctor who performs a comprehensive eye exam to diagnose the detached retina.
  3. Patient undergoes imaging tests such as ultrasound or optical coherence tomography to confirm the diagnosis.
  4. Surgery is recommended as the primary treatment for retinal detachment to prevent permanent vision loss.

After retinal detachment surgery:

  1. Patient undergoes the surgical procedure, which may involve techniques such as scleral buckle, vitrectomy, or pneumatic retinopexy to reattach the retina.
  2. Patient may experience some discomfort, redness, or blurry vision in the days following surgery.
  3. Patient is instructed to avoid strenuous activities and to follow post-operative care instructions to promote healing.
  4. Follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor the healing process and ensure the retina remains attached.
  5. In cases where the retina detaches again, additional surgeries may be required to reattach the retina and improve patient outcomes.

What to Ask Your Doctor

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

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with retinal detachment surgery?
  2. What is the success rate of the surgery in preventing future detachments?
  3. How long is the recovery process and what can I expect during this time?
  4. Will I need to follow any specific post-operative care instructions or restrictions?
  5. Are there any alternative treatments or surgeries available for retinal detachment?
  6. How soon after surgery can I expect to see improvements in my vision?
  7. How often will I need to follow up with my doctor after the surgery?
  8. What can I do to reduce the risk of future retinal detachments?
  9. Are there any lifestyle changes or precautions I should take after the surgery to protect my eyes?
  10. What is the long-term outlook for my vision following retinal detachment surgery?

Reference

Authors: Nagpal M, Chaudhary P, Wachasundar S, Eltayib A, Raihan A. Journal: Indian J Ophthalmol. 2018 Dec;66(12):1763-1771. doi: 10.4103/ijo.IJO_1212_18. PMID: 30451176