Are you going through blurred vision? Then don’t ignore these kinds of symptoms because they might be the symptoms of retinal detachment, which may lead to permanent blindness. The retina is a very thin layer of light-sensitive tissue present at the back of our eyes. The initial function of the retina is to send a visual image to the brain through the optic nerve. When our retina just lifted away from its normal position, then it is known as retinal detachment. When our retina gets detached, vision becomes blurred.
If the condition is not treated initially, it may cause permanent blindness. Doctors generally opt for surgical procedures to repair the retinal detachment. It is done by positioning the retina in its normal place.
Eligibility
Retinal detachment is considered a medical emergency because it needs immediate repair surgery. One person who is going through blurred vision due to retinal detachment and is eligible physically for the procedure can go for the retinal detachment surgery procedure.
Basic Preparation Prior to Procedure
Before surgery, you always need a prior consultation with a certified ophthalmologist and eye surgeon. During the appointment, your eye surgeon will ask about the symptoms in detail. He will do a complete retinal examination with the help of special lenses and bright lights. He will also check the complete back portion of the eye such as the retina, tear duct, hole, and detachment of the retina will be diagnosed through the examination. If he gets any sign of bleeding, your ophthalmologist may ask you to do an eye ultrasound to get a clear 3D image of the retina.
Different types of procedure
Retinal detachment has different characteristics. Eye surgeons used to perform three different types of surgery for retinal detachment.
Pneumatic retinopexy: It is a primary method where a glass bubble is injected inside the eye. This glass bubble will the retina tear against the wall of the eyes and close the tear duct. Here laser tool or cryo-surgery is used to hold the retina to the eye wall around the retinal tear duct. This gas bubble will gradually disappear on its own.
Scleral buckle: Here, a flexible band or scleral buckle is set around the equator of the eyeball. This band counteracts the force which pulls the retina in its place. This method is relatively unique in that the fluid present under the retina is extracted by the surgeon which allows the retina to place in its normal position.
Vitrectomy: This method is pretty different from than above two methods. In a vitrectomy, the doctor uses a vitreous gel, which pulls on the retinal surface and removes it. Then a gas bubble is used to replace the removal gel. Then the body fluid is gradually eliminating the gas bubble. In some cases, doctors use oil bubbles too, again which are removed during the consecutive surgical procedure.
In some severe cases, the vitrectomy is performed with a scleral buckle to minimize the side effects.
Who is eligible for retinal detachment surgery? & when the treatment needs to be done.
People who are going through the following symptoms should get themselves checked for retinal detachment.
The symptoms are:
- Flashes of light
- Darkening of the peripheral vision
- Seeing lots of new floaters
- Seeing a thread-like structure
These symptoms may be the reason for other diseases. That’s why you need a medical check-up. Because these conditions can get severe as retinal detachment grows abruptly without any alarming signs.
Some other people who are at high risk of cataracts may be suffering from retinal detachment. Even near-sighted patients also have a significant chance of retinal detachment.
Who is not eligible for these kinds of treatment?
People who have near-sighted issues, and already gone through cataract surgery, or have any kind of eye injury are not eligible for the condition. Any patient who doesn’t have the above-mentioned symptoms of blurred vision is not eligible for retinal detachment surgery.
Are there any side effects?
Different types of surgeries have a different kinds of complications.
For example, the procedure pneumatic retinopexy comes up with complications such as inadvertent scleral perforation.
For sclera buckle, you may develop other complications. Detachment of the eye layer under the retina may develop the risk of cataracts and enhance near-sighted issues which basically comes with the above-mentioned surgical procedure.
Recovery tips you must follow:
- Don’t rub your eyes with your hand
- Don’t forget to wear an eye pad at night to protect your eyes
- Take eye drops to avoid dryness of the eyes
- Follow a specific head position
- If you are facing severe eye pain, consult a doctor immediately
- Don’t do vigorous activities.
Cost of retinal detachment surgery in India?
The surgery cost gets up to Rs 50,000- Rs 70,000 depending upon the severity of the condition and the complexity of the surgery. Other associating factors such as the type of hospital, the experience of surgeons, medication, post-operative care, and hospital stays are also considered while counting the bill.
Finally, we would say retinal detachment surgery costs vary from patient to patient depending upon their medical conditions.