Retinal detachment

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Eye	Slit-lamp exam

Laser surgery may be used to seal the tears or holes in the retina, which generally precede detachment.

Another technique, the application of intense cold with an ice probe (known as cryopexy), leads to the formation of a scar that holds the retina to the underlying layer. This technique is used in combination with the injection of a gas bubble and the maintenance of specific head positions to prevent the re-accumulation fluid behind the retina.

If the retina is already detached, surgery is required. Some detachments can be repaired by placing a gas bubble in the eye to float the retina back into place (pneumatic retinopexy), followed by laser surgery to permanently fix it in place. This is often done in the office. More extensive detachments may require surgery in the operating room. The goal of such surgery may be to indent the wall of the eye (scleral buckle) or remove vitreous gel or scar tissue pulling on the retina using microsurgery (vitrectomy).

The outcome depends upon the location and extent of the detachment and early treatment. If the macula has not detached, the results of treatment can be excellent. Most retinal detachments can be repaired, but not all of them.

The unsuccessful reattachment of the retina results in loss of vision.

A retinal detachment is an urgent problem that requires medical attention within 24 hours of the first symptoms.

Review Date: 10/20/2006
Reviewed By: Manju Subramanian, MD, Assistant Professor in Ophthalmology, Vitreoretinal Disease and Surgery, Boston University Eye Associates, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.