# Retinal Surgery

> Citation bundle for Retinal Surgery on The Treatment Registry.
> URL: https://thetreatmentregistry.com/procedures/retinal-surgery
> Bundle URL: https://thetreatmentregistry.com/api/citations/procedures/retinal-surgery

- Category: ophthalmology

## Description

Eye surgery, also known as ophthalmic surgery or ocular surgery, is surgery performed on the eye or its adnexa. Eye surgery is part of ophthalmology and is performed by an ophthalmologist or eye surgeon.

## Overview

Eye surgery, also known as ophthalmic surgery or ocular surgery, is surgery performed on the eye or its adnexa. Eye surgery is part of ophthalmology and is performed by an ophthalmologist or eye surgeon. The eye is a fragile organ, and requires due care before, during, and after a surgical procedure to minimize or prevent further damage. An eye surgeon is responsible for selecting the appropriate surgical procedure for the patient, and for taking the necessary safety precautions. Mentions of eye surgery can be found in several ancient texts dating back as early as 1800 BC, with cataract treatment starting in the fifth century BC. It continues to be a widely practiced class of surgery, with various techniques having been developed for treating eye problems.

*Reference text adapted from Wikipedia under CC BY-SA 4.0. Verify with a qualified clinician before treatment.*

## FAQs

### What is retinal surgery?

Retinal surgery, also called vitreoretinal surgery, refers to a group of procedures used to treat conditions affecting the retina, the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye. It is used for problems such as a detached or torn retina and other conditions affecting the retina and the vitreous gel inside the eye. The specific operation depends on the underlying condition.

### What types of retinal surgery are there?

Common procedures include vitrectomy, in which the vitreous gel is removed to allow the surgeon to work on the retina; scleral buckling and pneumatic retinopexy, used to reattach a detached retina; and laser treatment or cryotherapy to seal retinal tears. A surgeon selects the appropriate technique for the patient's condition. Sometimes more than one method is combined.

### Who is a typical candidate?

It is generally considered for people with retinal conditions that threaten vision, such as a detached or torn retina or certain problems involving the vitreous or macula. Some conditions, such as retinal detachment, are treated urgently to try to preserve sight. An ophthalmologist determines whether and when surgery is needed.

### How is retinal surgery performed?

Depending on the procedure, it may be carried out under local or general anaesthesia. In some operations a gas bubble or silicone oil is placed inside the eye to help hold the retina in position while it heals, which may require the patient to keep a specific head position afterwards. Laser procedures are often less invasive than surgery inside the eye.

### What does recovery generally involve?

Recovery varies by procedure and can include a period during which vision is blurred while the eye heals. When a gas bubble is used, patients are usually advised to maintain a particular head position and to avoid air travel until it has dissolved, as directed by the surgeon. Follow-up appointments are used to monitor healing.

### What are the main risks, and what does it cost?

Recognised risks include infection, bleeding, raised pressure inside the eye, cataract formation, and the possibility that the retina does not fully reattach and needs further surgery. Outcomes depend on the condition being treated and how early it is addressed, so results are not the same for everyone. Cost varies by clinic and country; see the destinations listed for this procedure.