Our Summary

The study aimed to compare the effectiveness of different surgical techniques in fixing retinal detachment, a serious eye condition. The researchers analyzed the medical records of 514 patients who underwent surgery for this condition in 2012 at Oslo University Hospital. The main measure of success was whether the retina was still attached six months after surgery.

Three main surgical techniques were used: pars plana vitrectomy (where a small instrument is used to remove the gel-like substance in the middle of the eye), scleral buckle (where a flexible band is placed around the eye to push the wall of the eye against the detached retina), and a combination of the two. A fourth technique, pneumatic retinopexy (where a gas bubble is injected into the eye), was used in two cases.

The results showed that all three main techniques had high success rates, and there was no significant difference between them. Factors that increased the chances of the retina detaching again were if the initial detachment was large, and if the patient had poor vision before surgery.

FAQs

  1. What were the surgical techniques compared in the study for the treatment of retinal detachment?
  2. What were the main success factors measured in the study?
  3. Did the study find any significant differences in success rates between the different surgical techniques for retinal detachment?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about retinal surgery is to follow all post-operative instructions carefully to ensure the best possible outcome. This may include avoiding strenuous activities, taking prescribed medications, attending follow-up appointments, and protecting the eye from injury. It is also important to report any changes in vision or symptoms to the doctor promptly.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended retinal surgery are those with a retinal detachment, a serious eye condition that can lead to permanent vision loss if not treated promptly. Factors that may increase the likelihood of needing retinal surgery include having a large initial detachment and poor vision before surgery. Patients who have had previous retinal detachments or other eye conditions may also be candidates for retinal surgery. It is important for patients to consult with an ophthalmologist or retina specialist to determine the best course of treatment for their specific condition.

Timeline

Before retinal surgery, a patient may experience symptoms such as floaters, flashes of light, a shadow or curtain in their field of vision, or a sudden decrease in vision. They may undergo a comprehensive eye exam, including a dilated eye exam, to diagnose retinal detachment. Once the decision is made to proceed with surgery, the patient will undergo preoperative testing and evaluations to ensure they are a good candidate for surgery.

During retinal surgery, the patient will be under local or general anesthesia, depending on the surgical technique used. The surgery itself may take a few hours, depending on the complexity of the case. After surgery, the patient may experience some discomfort, redness, and swelling in the eye. They will be given postoperative instructions on how to care for their eye and may need to use eye drops or medications to prevent infection and reduce inflammation.

In the days and weeks following retinal surgery, the patient will have follow-up appointments with their ophthalmologist to monitor their healing progress. They may experience some fluctuations in vision as the eye heals, but this should improve over time. It may take several months for the vision to fully stabilize and for the retina to fully reattach.

Overall, the goal of retinal surgery is to successfully reattach the retina and restore or preserve the patient’s vision. With proper care and follow-up, many patients can achieve good outcomes and regain their vision after retinal surgery.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with retinal surgery?

  2. How long is the recovery period after retinal surgery and what can I expect during this time?

  3. Will I need to undergo any additional procedures or follow-up appointments after the initial surgery?

  4. What are the success rates of the different surgical techniques for fixing retinal detachment?

  5. How will my vision be affected after retinal surgery and what are the chances of improving my vision?

  6. Are there any lifestyle changes or precautions I should take post-surgery to ensure the best possible outcome?

  7. How experienced are you in performing retinal surgery and what is your success rate with this procedure?

  8. Can you provide me with any patient testimonials or success stories from previous retinal surgery patients?

  9. Are there any alternative treatment options to consider for my retinal detachment, and how do they compare to surgical intervention?

  10. What is the cost of retinal surgery and will my insurance cover all or part of the procedure?

Reference

Authors: Haugstad M, Moosmayer S, Bragadόttir R. Journal: Acta Ophthalmol. 2017 May;95(3):247-251. doi: 10.1111/aos.13295. Epub 2016 Nov 18. PMID: 27860442