Eye Surgery

Retinal surgery is a procedure that involves the use of laser or incisional surgery to the outside or the inside of the eye to treat a variety of problems. It involves the repair of a detached retina. The most common problems are the occurrence of blood within the cavity of the eye (the vitreous), as may occur in from complications of diabetes or blocked-off veins within the retina. The repair of this condition entails the removal of the bloody vitreous from within the eye by the use of microsurgical tools.

Retinal surgery is also employed in the diagnosis and treatment of infections and chronic inflammation of the interior of the eye. Retinal detachment occurs due to holes or tears in the tissue. This usually occurs in short-sighted people or the elderly because the tissue of the eye becomes weaker as time progresses, thus resulting in a retinal tear and eventual detachment of the retina. The retina then literally tears away from the surface of the eye causing vision loss and eventually total blindness.

Retinal surgery can be of several types: “Pneumatic retinopexy”, for example, involves the use of a gas or silicone bubble that is literally blown into the eye. This bubble floats to the area in which the retina is detached and pressure is applied to the hole. The pressure or surface tension combined with the material of the gas bubble cause the hole to seal and the retina to reattach itself. This procedure is normally only used when the retina detachment is located in the upper portion of the eyeball.

“Scleral buckle surgery” involves the sewing of silicone bands to the outer region of the eyeball. The bands then push the wall of the eye against the hole caused by the detached retina and close it, allowing the retina to reattach using natural procedures. The bands are not removed, though it was discovered that the band can cause the eye to become misshapen or elongated.

After retinal surgery, it’s important to follow your doctor’s instruction, which include avoiding drinking alcohol, driving, light reading, and showering for at least two weeks. Besides, you should apply eye drops, wear an eye patch and protect the eye bubble.
Retinal surgery has become very popular these days, since it’s a quick and secure solution to a variety of eye problems.

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