Our Summary
This research paper studied the success of a particular type of eye surgery in dogs with severe retinal damage. The surgery involved removing the vitreous (the clear gel that fills the eye), inserting silicone oil, and using a laser to reattach the retina. The study looked at 217 dogs (275 eyes) that had undergone this surgery.
The most common causes of retinal damage were diseases of the eye, surgery on the lens, and age-related changes in the eye. Almost all of the surgeries were successful in reattaching the retina immediately after the operation. About 74% of the dogs were able to see again or maintain their vision after the surgery, and they typically regained their sight about 18.5 days after surgery. About 72% of these dogs still had their sight at their last check-up, which was on average 550 days after the surgery.
The researchers found that certain signs before surgery, like specific visual reflexes and the condition of the retina, could predict if the dog would regain sight after surgery. However, the surgery did have some common complications, including the silicone oil moving to the front of the eye, corneal ulcers, glaucoma, and cataracts.
In conclusion, this type of surgery can effectively treat severe retinal damage in dogs, and most dogs can regain or maintain their vision long-term. It’s important to thoroughly examine the dog’s eye and medical history to determine if the surgery is likely to be successful.
FAQs
- What is the success rate of the retinal surgery on dogs with severe retinal damage?
- What are some common complications associated with this retinal surgery?
- How can it be predicted if a dog would regain sight after the surgery?
Doctor’s Tip
A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about retinal surgery is to carefully follow all post-operative instructions provided by the surgeon. This may include using prescribed eye drops, avoiding strenuous activities, and attending follow-up appointments. It is also important to report any changes in vision or any unusual symptoms to the doctor immediately. By following these guidelines, the patient can help ensure the best possible outcome from the surgery.
Suitable For
This type of retinal surgery is typically recommended for patients with severe retinal damage caused by diseases of the eye, surgery on the lens, or age-related changes in the eye. Patients who have not responded to other forms of treatment or who have a high likelihood of regaining vision after surgery may be good candidates for this procedure. Additionally, patients with specific visual reflexes and a certain condition of the retina may be more likely to benefit from this surgery.
It is important for patients considering retinal surgery to undergo a thorough examination of their eye and medical history to determine if they are likely to have a successful outcome. Patients should also be aware of the potential complications associated with this surgery, such as silicone oil movement, corneal ulcers, glaucoma, and cataracts, and discuss these risks with their healthcare provider. Overall, retinal surgery can be a successful treatment option for patients with severe retinal damage, leading to improved or maintained vision in the long-term.
Timeline
Timeline:
Before retinal surgery:
- The patient experiences symptoms of retinal damage, such as vision loss, floaters, or flashes of light.
- The patient undergoes a thorough eye examination to determine the extent of the retinal damage and assess their eligibility for surgery.
- The patient may need to undergo additional tests, such as imaging scans, to further evaluate the condition of the retina.
- The patient discusses the risks and benefits of the surgery with their ophthalmologist and decides to proceed with the procedure.
After retinal surgery:
- The patient undergoes the surgery, which involves removing the vitreous, inserting silicone oil, and using a laser to reattach the retina.
- The patient may experience some discomfort and blurry vision immediately after the surgery.
- The patient is closely monitored for any complications, such as silicone oil migration, corneal ulcers, glaucoma, or cataracts.
- The patient gradually regains their vision over the following weeks, with most patients seeing improvements within 18.5 days of the surgery.
- The patient attends follow-up appointments to assess their progress and make any necessary adjustments to their treatment plan.
- Long-term follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor the patient’s vision and overall eye health.
- The patient may need additional treatments or interventions to address any complications that arise after the surgery.
Overall, retinal surgery can be an effective treatment for severe retinal damage, allowing patients to regain or maintain their vision and improve their quality of life. It is essential for patients to work closely with their ophthalmologist and adhere to their treatment plan to achieve the best possible outcomes.
What to Ask Your Doctor
Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about retinal surgery include:
- What specific type of retinal surgery is recommended for my condition?
- What are the potential risks and complications associated with this surgery?
- How successful is this type of surgery in restoring or maintaining vision?
- What is the recovery process like after retinal surgery?
- Are there any long-term effects or considerations I should be aware of after the surgery?
- How soon after the surgery can I expect to see improvements in my vision?
- Are there any alternative treatment options to consider before opting for surgery?
- What signs or symptoms should I watch for that may indicate a complication following surgery?
- How frequently will I need follow-up appointments after the surgery?
- Can you provide any specific recommendations or resources for preparing for retinal surgery and recovery?
Reference
Authors: Spatola RA, Nadelstein B, Leber AC, Berdoulay A. Journal: Vet Ophthalmol. 2015 Nov;18(6):485-96. doi: 10.1111/vop.12246. Epub 2015 Jan 9. PMID: 25581380