They cannot travel by air during the recovery period because doing so could expand the bubble. Eventually, the bubble absorbs on its own.Īfter the surgery, people should expect about three weeks for recovery. This is necessary to ensure that the bubble stays in place long enough to repair the detached retina. Recoveryįollowing this surgery, people have to maintain a specific head position for several days. This is a technique that promote scar tissue formation. In most cases, cryopexy is used as part of this surgery. Any fluid that did collect before the surgery is naturally absorbed, allowing the retina to attach itself to the eye wall. The bubble works to push the detached portion of the retina so fluid stops flowing into the space behind this structure. The doctor will inject either a gas or air bubble into the vitreous cavity of the eye. It works to reposition the retina and hold it in place until it attaches on its own. This procedure may be done in an office setting unlike other detached retina procedures. For vitrectomy, the recovery time is approximately four to six weeks.For scleral buckling, the recovery time is approximately four to eight weeks.For pneumatic retinopexy, the recovery time is approximately three weeks.The following are the average recovery times for the three primary types of detached retina surgeries: The recovery timeline depends on multiple factors, such as the surgery performed, how many surgeries have been performed on the eye and how they approach the post-surgical period. Vitrectomy involves removing the vitreous and any other tissue that is pulling on the retina. This technique may be used by itself or associated with a vitrectomy. Scleral buckling uses a medical grade silicone material to make the repair. Pneumatic retinopexy utilizes a gas bubble in office to attach the retina to the eye’s inner wall. The type of surgery a doctor performs depends on the type, location, severity of the retinal detachment, among other factors. The detachment happens when the retina is not in its normal position, which is attached to the underlying pigmented epithelium and vascular perfusion tissue. Contact Associated Retina Consultants at 60 or to learn more.A retinal detachment can result in permanent vision loss if not addressed. If you notice changes to your vision, do not delay in seeking treatment. If not treated quickly, a retinal detachment can cause partial or total vision loss. Once the vitreous is removed, a gas bubble is placed inside the eye to keep the retina in place until it is healed. The vitrectomy may release tension on the retina, allowing it to move back into its proper position where it can be reattached. It requires removing the vitreous gel inside the eye. The fluid behind the detached retina will be drained then the retina should return to its normal place in the back of the eye.Ī vitrectomy is a procedure done to repair serious retinal detachments. During a scleral buckle, a flexible band is placed around the eye to counteract the force that is pulling the retina out of place. In more severe cases, a procedure called a scleral buckle may be performed. The gas bubble dissolves in a few days following the procedure. A laser or cryotherapy is then used to reattach the retina firmly into place. The bubble presses against the detached retina and pushes it back into place. In this procedure, a gas bubble is injected into the eye. One method of retinal detachment repair is pneumatic retinopexy. The type of procedure your doctor chooses will depend on the severity of the detachment. Different types of retinal detachment require different kinds of surgery and different levels of anesthesia. A simple tear in the retina can be treated with freezing, called cryotherapy, or a laser procedure. There are several types of surgery to repair a detached retina. Some causes and risk factors of retinal detachment include glaucoma, severe trauma, nearsightedness, previous cataract surgery, previous retinal detachment in your other eye or family history of retinal detachment. That retinal tear can then pull away from the back of the eye and detach the retina. When this occurs, the retinal tissue may tear. Reattaching the retina quickly is essential to prevent such a serious complication.Ī retinal detachment may be caused by the vitreous fluid of the eye retracting from the back of the eye. This condition can cause permanent damage to your vision if not treated promptly.

Without a blood supply, the retinal cells will start to die. Retinal detachment is a serious condition that occurs when the retina pulls away from the back of the eye and its blood supply. The retina is the part of your eye that sends images through your optic nerve to the brain and is essential to your vision.

Retina reattachment surgery