Retinal Detachment
Condition:
Cataracts occur when the natural lens of the eye becomes cloudy, leading to blurry vision.
Treatments:
Retinal detachment is a serious eye condition where the retina peels away from the underlying tissue. This can lead to vision loss if not promptly treated. Here are five common treatments for retinal detachment:
Scleral Buckle Surgery:
In this procedure, a silicone band (scleral buckle) is attached to the outside of the eye, exerting gentle pressure to support the retina and reduce the risk of further detachment. This is often combined with vitrectomy (see below).
Vitrectomy:
Vitrectomy is a surgical procedure where the vitreous gel inside the eye is removed to provide better access to the retina. This allows the surgeon to repair tears, remove scar tissue, and reattach the retina using laser or cryotherapy (freezing).
Pneumatic Retinopexy:
This is a less invasive procedure suitable for certain types of retinal detachments. It involves injecting a gas bubble into the eye to help push the detached retina back into place. The patient’s head is then positioned in a specific way to ensure the bubble presses against the retina. Laser or freezing treatment is then applied to seal the tear.
Cryotherapy:
Cryotherapy uses freezing to seal retinal tears. It is often used in combination with other surgical techniques, such as scleral buckle surgery or vitrectomy.
Laser Photocoagulation:
This technique uses a laser to create small burns around the retinal tear, which causes scar tissue to form. This scar tissue helps seal the tear and prevent further detachment.