Retinal Detachment Treatment by Dr. Hassaan
Dr. Mahmoud Hassan
Consultant Vitreoretinal and Cataract Surgeon
FRCS Glasgow · FICO · MRCS Edinburgh
Although the eye is composed of several parts all working together to achieve the vision process, the retina is considered the most important and delicate area of the eye. This is because it transmits light as electrical signals to the brain via the optic nerves, thus enabling sight. But what happens if the retina is damaged? What are the treatment methods for retinal detachment? And can retinal detachment be treated in children?
In this article, Dr. Mahmoud Hassan – Vitreoretinal Surgeon at Al Mashreq Eye Center, holding a Master's degree in Ophthalmology and Ophthalmic Surgery, a membership of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh in England, and a fellowship of the International Council of Ophthalmology – addresses all these questions, along with detailing a client's experience at Al Mashreq Center under the title "My Experience with Retinal Detachment." So, if you are interested, do not miss this article.
What is Retinal Detachment?
Retinal detachment is one of the common and serious eye conditions where the layer of retinal cells at the back of the eye separates from the layer of blood vessels that supply the eye with oxygen and nutrients. This consequently affects the patient's visual acuity. Therefore, it is crucial to treat retinal detachment quickly to reduce the risk of permanent vision loss in the affected eye. The question remains, what causes retinal detachment? This question will be answered in the next section.
Causes of Retinal Detachment
Before we delve into how to treat retinal detachment, we must first clarify the main causes leading to retinal detachment, which include the following:
Learn about laser retinal surgery
My Experience with Retinal Detachment: Understanding Symptoms of Retinal Detachment
Many search for "my experience with retinal detachment" due to the fear patients have regarding the seriousness of retinal detachment and its treatment. They wish to see others' experiences with the recovery journey. So, dear reader, here is the experience of one of Dr. Mahmoud Hassan's clients at Al Mashreq Eye Center.
"Throughout the treatment journey with retinal detachment," the symptoms he experienced can be clarified, as he had a partial retinal detachment. Its symptoms can be explained in the following section.
Symptoms of Partial Retinal Detachment
Before detailing retinal detachment treatment methods, there are several signs indicating that you may be suffering from retinal detachment symptoms that must first be clarified, including:
- Sudden appearance of floaters in vision.
- Experiencing light flashes.
- Decrease in peripheral vision.
- Blurred central vision.
Is Retinal Detachment Curable? – Retinal Detachment Treatment Methods
Yes, there are many ways to treat retinal detachment, and the appropriate method is chosen by the treating physician based on the patient's diagnosis. Treatment methods include the following:
Laser Retinal Detachment Surgery
Retinal tears are usually treated using laser in early cases, before retinal detachment occurs, resulting from several holes or tears in the retinal area. This is done by directing laser light onto the torn area, causing burns that lead to scar tissue formation, which eventually heals with the eye tissues over time.
Learn about the cost of retinal detachment surgery in Egypt
Vitrectomy Surgery
Ophthalmologists resort to treating retinal detachment through vitrectomy surgery.
The treating physician removes the vitreous body from the eye, removes fibrous tissue, repairs the retinal detachment, performs internal laser treatment, and then injects a gas bubble or silicone oil to support the retina.
The gas is naturally absorbed by the body's fluid over time.
When silicone oil is used, the patient may require another surgery after several months to remove it and replace it with the eye's natural fluid.
Pneumatic Retinopexy
In the pneumatic retinopexy procedure for treating retinal detachment, the treating physician injects a bubble of air or gas into the vitreous cavity of the eye. This bubble presses on the detached layer of the retina, pushing it back against the eye wall to seal off the leakage of fluid behind the retina that causes the detachment. The fluid behind the retina is then automatically absorbed. Typically, you will need to keep your head in a specific position for several days after this procedure until the bubble disappears automatically once the condition is treated.
You might be interested: Laser treatment for retinal holes: Is retinal detachment surgery successful?
Scleral Buckle / Scleral Band
In this method for treating retinal detachment, a silicone piece is stitched onto the white of the eye over the affected area.
This method helps to hold the retina in place.
It helps to relieve the pressure exerted by the vitreous body on the retina.
If the tear is large, the doctor may opt to create a scleral buckle as a band that permanently encircles the eye.
Cost of Retinal Detachment Surgery
The price of retinal detachment surgery ranges from 25,000 to 40,000 Egyptian Pounds. The price varies, increasing or decreasing, due to many factors, most notably:
- The type of technique used to treat retinal detachment.
- The experience of the doctor performing the surgery.
- Differences in clinics and the advancement of techniques and equipment used.
- Consumables and devices used.
How long is the recovery period after retinal detachment surgery?
The recovery period after retinal detachment treatment takes 3-6 months for the retina to stabilize, and the duration varies from case to case depending on its severity and the duration of the retinal detachment.
Can retinal detachment be treated in children?
Yes, retinal detachment can be treated in children with scleral buckling or vitrectomy procedures.
Frequently Asked Questions You Might Find Interesting
Is retinal detachment dangerous?
Yes, retinal detachment is one of the serious eye conditions that requires rapid treatment before the situation worsens over time and permanent vision loss occurs.
Does vision return after retinal detachment surgery?
Yes, vision improves after retinal detachment treatment over a period of several months, and the duration varies from case to case depending on its severity.
Madinaty Hospitalia Medical Hub Group 101 B10 next to Al-Rahma Mosque
102 Al-Merghany Street inside Al-Mashreq Eye Center, Heliopolis
The Importance of Retinal Examination Before Cataract Surgery
Retinal examination is an essential step before cataract surgery, for early detection of any retinal problems that may affect the outcome of the surgery and clarity of vision afterward. Learn more through our service Vitrectomy and Retinal Detachment Repair.