Retinal detachment is a widespread disease after Glaucoma and cataract, and it can cause permanent vision loss if it is not addressed at the right time. The detachment occurs when the retina is not at its normal position, and the underlying pigmented epithelium and vascular perfusion tissue get exposed easily.
The type of surgery depends on the location, severity of the retinal detachment, and type of retina, along with another vital factor of the internal optical framework. Three types of Retina detachment surgeries are performed: Pneumatic retinopexy, Scleral buckling, & Vitrectomy.
Pneumatic retinopexy involves a gas bubble in the clinic to join the retina to the internal eye wall.
In Scleral buckling, surgeons use a medical-grade silicon surgery tool to initiate repair. The technique can be used by itself and performed associated with Vitrectomy.
Last but not least, Vitrectomy involves the elimination of the vitreous and any other subsequent tissues that pull on the retina.
Recovery timeline
As we said, earlier recovery timeline depends on too many factors such as how the surgery has been performed, how many surgeries are performed on the eyes, which technology is used during the surgery, and the physiological conditions of the patients ( How patient body responds to the treatment).
Let’s check out the average recovery time of retina detachment surgeries:
For Pneumatic retinopexy, patients need approximately three weeks.
For Scleral buckling, the recovery time will be approximately 4-8 weeks
For Vitrectomy, it would be approximately four to six weeks.
Process of recovery from Pneumatic retinopexy
After checking the patient’s condition, the surgeon chooses mild to intensive retinal detachment surgery. When doctors perform retinal detachment surgery with only gas bubble injection, the surgery is known as pneumatic retinopexy. It is a less invasive procedure that used to be performed in a surgeon’s office instead of a super speciality hospital. Here the recovery process is expected to be shorter because there is no cut, no stitch. It is considered to be milder than other retinal detachment surgeries.
At the time of recovery, the patient may experience a mild level of discomfort. However, doctors will prescribe medication to alleviate post-surgery complications.
Additionally, the doctor may ask you to wear an eye patch or eye shield to prevent any unnecessary injury after the surgical procedure.
Doctors also prescribe daily antibiotic dosage through drops to avoid unnecessary infection.
Flight travel is recommended once you complete recovery, as the air bubble inside the eye may expand and causes significant discomfort. The doctor also doesn’t recommend strenuous activities and jerking for now.
Surgeons also recommend long-term precautions to minimize the risk of another retinal detachment. They suggest sports glasses with polycarbonate lenses during outdoor activities. Also, patients need to maintain scheduled eye examinations to address any further retinal abnormalities as soon as possible.
Recovering from a scleral buckle or Vitrectomy
Scleral buckling surgery is also another approach to treating retinal detachment. At the time of the procedure, the surgeon attaches a silicon band around the eyes, which forces the affected eye to get inward and reduces the pressure on the retina, allowing quick healing.
Vitrectomy is another alternative to scleral buckle. However, Vitrectomy is done along with scleral buckling in the same OT procedure. During this procedure, all vitreous is removed from the eyes and replaced with silicone oil, pushing the retina’s detached portion to get attached to its perfect place and letting the thing heal faster.
However, immediately after surgery, patients may expect eye discomfort for several weeks, especially for scleral buckles and Vitrectomy. Initially, your vision will be blurry-it takes a minimum of three weeks to clear your vision completely. Sometimes your eye may be watered due to discomfort. You may feel gritty if the surface of the eyes gets stitched. You may need to wear an eye pad for better protection during healing. Doctors usually suggest maintaining a correct head position after healing. Remember to consult a doctor immediately if you experience severe pain during recovery.
Possible complications of surgery after retinal detachment are enlisted below:
- Cataract formation: Loss of clarity of the lens of the eye
- Glaucoma: a sudden rise in pressure in the operated eye
- The infection just after surgery or unexpected injury at the operated position
- Haemorrhage or bleeding into the vitreous cavity
- Vision loss (very uncommon cause)
How do you support fast recovery?
Retinal detachment surgery comes with a few risk factors just like any other surgery; however, these can be overcome through necessary medications and following do’s and don’ts. Apart from that few basic things you need to avoid, like avoiding rubbing your eyes, and following the doctor’s instructions, go for routine eye check-ups to ensure your eyes are healing perfectly. Fast recovery is possible when surgery is performed meticulously. Recovery not only depends on the patient’s physiological factors but also on the skill and expertise of the doctor, along with the technology used and the patient care program hospital performs after surgery.