Retina Surgery

Several types of retinal conditions may require surgery. Common ones include:

We also treat more complex conditions. These include:

• Advanced retinopathy of prematurity
• Cancers of the eye
• Genetic eye disease

Retina surgery repairs damage to the retina. The retina converts images to electrical signals and sends them to the brain. Your brain interprets these signals so you can see. There are a few types of retina surgery. These include:

• Cryopexy: Freezes and seals holes or tears in your retina
• Laser photocoagulation: Uses a laser to seal retinal tears or holes
• Pneumatic retinopexy: Injects a gas bubble into your eye to push your retina into place
• Scleral buckling: Inserts a band or a sponge around your eye to move your retina
• Vitrectomy: Replaces your vitreous gel with sterile salt water, gas or silicone oil

The specifics of your surgery may vary based on your procedure. This is a general overview.

1. Your doctor may apply numbing medication to your eyes.
2. You may get a sedative to help you relax during surgery. Or you may receive anesthesia to go to sleep.
3. Your doctor makes a small cut in your eye. They use small instruments to treat your retina.
4. You may get tiny stitches.
5. Your doctor also may put antibiotic eye drops or ointment in your eye for protection.

Most retina procedures are outpatient, so you may go home the day of your surgery. You won’t be able to drive, so arrange for a ride.

You may have blurred vision, pain, swelling and sensitivity to light. Your doctor may give you an eye patch and eye drops. In some cases, you may need to lie on your back or keep your head up for a period.

The day after surgery, you may have a follow-up appointment with your doctor.

Recovery time varies. It typically takes two to four weeks to return to activities like driving and exercise. Full recovery may take months.

Retina surgery is safe and effective, but all surgeries have risks. These include:

Sometimes, you may need a second surgery to treat your condition. Talk with your eye doctor about the potential risks of retina surgery.