RETINAL-DETACHMENT REPAIR

General Information

DEFINITION--Reattachment of a retina that has become separated from the rest of the eye. The retina is the light-sensitive area at the back of the eye. See Retinal Detachment in Illness section.

BODY PARTS INVOLVED--The eye and all its parts.

REASONS FOR SURGERY--Prevention of vision loss.

SURGICAL RISK INCREASES WITH

• Obesity; smoking; alcoholism.
• Poor nutrition.
• Recent or chronic illness.
• Use of drugs such as: antihypertensives; muscle relaxants; tranquilizers; sleep inducers; insulin; sedatives; beta-adrenergic blockers; or cortisone.
• Use of mind-altering drugs, including: narcotics; psychedelics; hallucinogens; marijuana; sedatives; hypnotics; or cocaine.

What To Expect

WHO OPERATES--Ophthalmologist.

WHERE PERFORMED--Hospital or outpatient surgical facility.

DIAGNOSTIC TESTS

• Before surgery: Complete eye examination; blood and urine studies.
• After surgery: Complete eye examination.

ANESTHESIA

• Local anesthesia by injection or topical application.
• General anesthesia by injection and inhalation with an airway tube placed in the windpipe.

DESCRIPTION OF OPERATION

• Sometimes, tears or holes in the retina are repaired with laser beams that coagulate the eye tissue and cause it to readjust to its normal position.
• Otherwise, the membrane lining the eye is cut. A cryosurgical probe is placed around the detached retina. The probe applies extreme cold, causing eye tissue to coagulate and to adhere to its normal position.
• If a cornea transplant is required, it is performed.
• The membrane around the eye is closed with fine sutures, which usually can be removed about 1 week after surgery.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS

• Surgical-wound infection.
• Partial or total vision loss in the affected eye from recurrence of retinal detachment.

AVERAGE HOSPITAL STAY--3 to 4 days.

PROBABLE OUTCOME--Surgery is successful in preserving eyesight in over 90% of patients. About 10% will require another operation, which is usually successful. Allow about 2 weeks for recovery from surgery.

Postoperative Care

GENERAL MEASURES

• Rest with your head elevated on two pillows. You may move your head in any direction.
• Cool compresses can reduce the swelling of the eyelids and surrounding tissue.
• Use dark glasses in bright light until you no longer need to keep the pupils dilated with eye drops. Don't rub the eyes.
• Don't bend over or strain with lifting, bowel movements or urination for at least 6 months after surgery.

MEDICATION---

Your doctor may prescribe:

• Pain relievers. Don't take prescription pain medication longer than 4 to 7 days. Use only as much as you need. > Stool softeners to prevent constipation. > Antibiotics to fight infection. > Eye drops to keep the pupil dilated during healing.

† To help recovery and aid your well--

being, resume daily activities, including work, as soon as you are able.

• Avoid vigorous exercise for 6 weeks after surgery. > Resume driving 4 weeks after returning home.

DIET---No special diet.

Call Your Doctor If

Any of the following occur:

• Any change in vision.
• Constipation.
• Increased pain, swelling, redness,drainage or bleeding in the surgical area.
• Signs of infection: headache, muscle aches, dizziness or a general ill feeling and fever.
• New, unexplained symptoms. Drugs used in treatment may produce side effects.