Health

What You Should Know About Retinal Detachment Surgery

Retinal detachment surgery is the most common type of eye surgery in Singapore and indeed the rest of the world. When a patient discovers that they require this type of treatment, it is important to find a qualified ophthalmologist with many years of experience. With the eye being such a complex and highly sensitive part of our bodies, an experienced doctor can handle complex cases and help prevent risks.

Finding the right clinic is the first step towards getting the best ophthalmologist. A clinic such as Asia Retina is run by a doctor with plenty of experience and can offer you some of the best care in Singapore.

That said, let’s find out more about retinal detachment, the causes and the types of treatments available for patients.

Understanding retinal detachment

Before we can look at the various type of retinal detachment surgery, it is important to first understand the retina. This is a section at the back of the eye that is sensitives to light. Once images hit this part, they are sent to the brain via the optic nerve for interpretation.

However, several factors may cause the retina to shift from its normal position causing a separation of the retina and the RPE or the retinal pigment epithelium. Another reason is a tear of the retina.

Retinal detachment should be fixed immediately otherwise the patient runs the risks of having permanent vision loss. This is where retinal detachment surgery comes in.

The symptoms of retinal detachment

Let’s now consider some of the symptoms of retinal detachment. If you have a family member with these symptoms, it is important that they go for a checkup immediately.

The symptoms include:

  • Vision loss
  • Blurry vision
  • Light flashes
  • Floaters (bugs)

Retinal detachment – Who is most affected? 

Many factors can cause retinal detachment. However, people who are most commonly affected include older people as well as those who have experienced trauma to the eye.

If your child has had any type of injury to the eye and claims to experience some symptoms of retinal detachment as stated above, it is crucial that they seek medical attention immediately.

This can help doctors treat the damage and prevent or reverse the loss of vision. Find a qualified doctor with many years of experience under their belt. While they may charge more for the surgery, your kid will get the best treatment. The doctor can also avoid certain risks.

Types of retinal detachment

Retinal detachment can be divided into two. These are:

  • Rhegmatogenous – this is the common type of retinal detachment. Here the retina tears party from the retinal pigment epithelium resulting in a space where fluid gets in.  
  • Non-Rhegmatogenous – this can be further divided into tractional and exudative retinal detachments.

The tractional retinal detachment is not common in patients. Here, the external layer of the retina begins to shrink and results in the retina separating from the PRE.

On the other hand, exudative retinal detachment is a result of fluid somehow finding its ways between the retina. It is mainly caused by an infection or injury to trauma to the eye.

The different types of retrial detachment surgeries

There are several types of retinal detachment surgeries. These are:

  • Retinal cryopexy
  • Scleral buckle
  • Vitrectomy
  1. Retinal cryopexty

This is a highly effective surgery for securely joining the retina with the PRE by freezing holes around the retina. The procedure involves using an ophthalmoscope. During the procedure, the retina changes color from orange to yellow and then finally to white. Once the retina changes to the final color, the procedure is discontinued.

  1. Scleral buckle

This is the second type of retinal detachment surgery. Here the doctor uses a band around the eye to push back the eyewall in contact with the retina. This is for less complex cases. However, for the more complex cases, the doctor may opt for a vitrectomy.

  1. Vitrectomy

This one is for the more complex cases of retinal detachment. It comes with some risks such as vitreous hemorrhage, PVR, and tears. This is why it is important to find a doctor with many years of experience to mitigate such risks.

That said, vitrectomy has its advantages such as:

  • Improved localization of retinal tears and beaks
  • Internal interoperation retina attachment
  • Eliminating the traction forces from the media opacities, periretinal and transvitreal membranes

However, vitrectomy also has its disadvantages. These include:

  • Development of nuclear sclerotic cataracts
  • Open-angle glaucoma many years after the surgery

Final word

Retinal detachment surgery can significantly improve vision. That said, it is important that to note that depending on the severing and complexity of a patient, they may need more than one surgery. If a family member has experienced trauma to the eye and requires surgery, find a reliable clinic and a doctor with many years of experience.

Asia Retina – Eye Specialist in Singapore
#15-10 The Paragon, 290 Orchard Rd,
Singapore 238859
+65 6732 0007

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