Retinal surgery is a type of eye surgery involving the repair of a detached retina. The retina transmits signals or messages to the optic nerve and the brain or nervous system, thus completing the cycle of vision. Retinal detachment occurs when a separation takes place between the retina and the surface of the eye, so retinal surgery is required to repair this separation, to connect the proper tissues and fix the problem.

Retinal detachments take place because of holes or tears in the tissue. This usually occurs in short-sighted people or the elderly because the tissue of the eye becomes weaker as time progresses, thus resulting in a retinal tear and eventual detachment of the retina. The retina then literally tears away from the surface of the eye causing vision loss and eventually total blindness.

There are a few different types of retinal detachment. “Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment” occurs when the tear allows liquid to flow into the eye through the hole caused by the retinal detachment. “Secondary retinal detachment” occurs when fluid forms under the retina without the presence of a hole or break. This usually happens because of an eye injury or some sort of inflammation. There is also “tractional retinal detachment” which involves a physical pulling of the retina from the surface of the eye.

What does retinal surgery involve?

There are several types of retinal surgery. “Scleral buckle surgery” involves the sewing of silicone bands to the outer region of the eyeball. The bands then push the wall of the eye against the hole caused by the detached retina and close it, allowing the retina to reattach using natural procedures. The bands are not usually removed; however, recently it was discovered that there was a possibility that the band might cause the eye to become elongated or misshapen.

“Pneumatic retinopexy” is another type of eye surgery for detached retinas. This involves the usage of a gas or silicone bubble that is literally blown into the eye. The bubble floats to the area in which the retina is detached and pressure is applied to the hole. The pressure or surface tension combined with the material of the gas bubble cause the hole to seal and the retina to reattach itself. This procedure is normally only used when the retina detachment is located in the upper portion of the eyeball.

There are a few other types of retinal surgery as well, each with their own sets of advantages and disadvantages. A medical professional should be consulted to determine which of the options is best for you.