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Retinal Detachment
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Treatment of Retinal Detachment

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A detached retina is a medical emergency requiring surgery. The emergency and treatment depend on the cause, the retina condition and how long it has been there.

  • Laser photocoagulation. This is used in the early stages when retinal tears are observed before detachment occurs. The technique involves removing abnormal blood vessels from the retina and preventing the formation of new ones.
  • Vitrectomy. This involves removing the vitreous humour, the jelly-like substance inside the eye, and replacing it with a special solution of gas, air or silicone oil to fill the vitreous space.
    In some cases, this procedure is combined with a buckle procedure, which involves placing a silicone band around the eye, like a belt, to push the detached retina back into place so it reattaches to the eye. Vitrectomy is performed under local anaesthetic on an outpatient basis.

Vitrectomy postoperative care

During the first few weeks after surgery, it is essential to follow the treatment regimen to prevent possible infection. It is also essential to adhere to the recommended postural treatment, as this helps the retina return to its normal position and promotes proper recovery. Initially, a period of strict rest must be maintained, with the patient following precise instructions regarding the posture to be maintained. Gradually, this rest becomes more flexible, allowing greater mobility.

If gas injection has been chosen, the patient must wait until the gas is absorbed. During this time, the patient should not take a flight, be at altitudes above 1,000 m or travel by high-speed train, as this could expand the gas and increase intraocular pressure with the risk of irreversible vision loss.

If silicone oil injection is the option, it must be removed via second surgery.

Once the injected solution is no longer present (either the gas has dissolved or the silicone oil has been removed via second surgery), a check is made to see if the procedure was successful; that is, if the retina remains attached on its own. If so, the visual recovery phase begins. This may be long, with improvement not being noticeable in some patients until six months after surgery.
 

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Substantiated information by:

Anna Sala Puigdollers
Joan Giralt

Published: 26 March 2025
Updated: 26 March 2025

The donations that can be done through this webpage are exclusively for the benefit of Hospital Clínic of Barcelona through Fundació Clínic per a la Recerca Biomèdica and not for BBVA Foundation, entity that collaborates with the project of PortalClínic.

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