Retinal Surgery and Treatment

Retinal treatment addresses conditions affecting the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye that converts visual information into signals sent to the brain. Retinal disease can threaten vision and may require observation, medication, laser treatment, injections or surgery depending on the diagnosis. Conditions managed by retinal specialists include diabetic retinopathy, retinal tears, retinal detachment, macular disease and vitreous disorders.

A retinal tear is a break in the retina. If fluid passes through the tear, the retina may separate from the underlying tissue, causing a retinal detachment. A retinal detachment is an urgent condition that can lead to permanent vision loss without timely treatment. Diabetic retinopathy is caused by diabetes-related damage to retinal blood vessels and may result in leakage, bleeding, swelling or abnormal new blood vessels.

Treatment options include retinal laser procedures, vitrectomy and scleral buckling. Laser treatment may be used to seal certain retinal tears or treat specific retinal vascular conditions. Vitrectomy involves removing the vitreous gel and may be performed to treat vitreous bleeding, scar tissue, retinal detachment or other conditions. A scleral buckle supports the wall of the eye from the outside to help close retinal breaks and reattach the retina. The appropriate treatment depends on the cause, location and severity of the condition.

Regular follow-up after retinal treatment is important for monitoring healing and protecting vision. Some retinal tears can be treated with laser or cryotherapy before a detachment develops, while other retinal conditions require surgery or ongoing medical treatment. People with diabetes, severe myopia, previous eye surgery, eye trauma or a history of retinal problems may require more frequent retinal examinations.

Early assessment is particularly important when symptoms develop suddenly. New flashes of light, a rapid increase in floaters, a dark curtain or shadow in the field of vision, sudden blurred vision or loss of vision require urgent evaluation by an ophthalmologist.