Our Summary

This study, conducted over 26 months at the University Eye Clinic of Trieste, Italy, looked at a particular kind of eye surgery called scleral buckling. This is used to treat a condition where the retina detaches from the back of the eye. The researchers observed 102 cases where a specific technique, evacuative puncture, was used to drain fluid from beneath the retina.

During this procedure, the surgeons noticed that dark, pigmented deposits would start to appear in the draining fluid towards the end of the procedure. When they saw this sign, they could tell that most of the fluid had been successfully drained from under the retina.

This pigmented ‘stream sign’ is a useful indicator for surgeons to know when they’re nearing the end of the procedure and the retina is almost fully drained and flattened back into place.

FAQs

  1. What is scleral buckling surgery and when is it used?
  2. What is the purpose of the evacuative puncture technique in retinal detachment surgery?
  3. What is the ‘stream sign’ observed during the procedure and why is it important for surgeons?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about retinal detachment surgery is to be aware of the pigmented ‘stream sign’ during the procedure, as it indicates that the fluid has been successfully drained from under the retina. This can help reassure the patient that the surgery is progressing well and the retina is being reattached properly.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended retinal detachment surgery include those who have experienced sudden flashes of light, floaters in their vision, or a curtain-like shadow over their field of vision. Additionally, patients with a history of eye trauma, nearsightedness, previous cataract surgery, or a family history of retinal detachment may also be candidates for this type of surgery. Retinal detachment surgery is generally recommended as soon as possible to prevent permanent vision loss.

Timeline

Before the surgery:

  1. Patient experiences symptoms of retinal detachment, such as sudden flashes of light, floaters in their vision, or a curtain-like shadow over their field of vision.
  2. Patient visits an eye doctor who confirms the diagnosis of retinal detachment through a comprehensive eye examination.
  3. Patient discusses treatment options with their eye doctor, including surgery as the most effective way to repair the detached retina.

After the surgery:

  1. Patient undergoes retinal detachment surgery, such as scleral buckling with evacuative puncture to drain fluid from under the retina.
  2. Surgeons monitor the pigmented ‘stream sign’ during the procedure to gauge the progress of fluid drainage and retina reattachment.
  3. Once the retina is fully drained and reattached, the surgery is considered successful.
  4. Patient is advised to follow post-operative care instructions, such as using eye drops, avoiding strenuous activities, and attending follow-up appointments with their eye doctor.
  5. Patient’s vision gradually improves as the retina heals and stabilizes, with regular monitoring by their eye doctor to ensure the long-term success of the surgery.

What to Ask Your Doctor

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

  1. What type of surgery will be performed for my retinal detachment?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with this surgery?
  3. How long will the recovery process take, and what can I expect during the recovery period?
  4. Will I need to follow any specific post-operative care instructions?
  5. What is the success rate of this surgery in treating retinal detachment?
  6. Are there any alternative treatment options available?
  7. Will I need to undergo any additional procedures or follow-up appointments after the surgery?
  8. How experienced is the surgeon in performing this specific type of retinal detachment surgery?
  9. What should I do if I experience any unusual symptoms or complications after the surgery?
  10. Are there any long-term effects or limitations I should be aware of after undergoing retinal detachment surgery?

Reference

Authors: De Giacinto C, Paoloni M, Perrotta AA, Pastore MR, Piermarocchi R, Tognetto D. Journal: Int Ophthalmol. 2019 Aug;39(8):1695-1701. doi: 10.1007/s10792-018-0988-x. Epub 2018 Jul 10. PMID: 29992516