Retinal Surgery

The Garden Route Eye Clinic has experienced Retinal Surgeons in its team. The George Surgical Centre is fully equipped with the latest technology for all types of Retinal Surgery. The specialised nursing staff has many years of experience in assisting retinal surgeons as well as eye surgery patients before, during and after surgery.

Retinal Detachment

The retina is a very thin layer of cells that lines the inside of the eye. The rod and cone cells absorb the light which is focussed on the retina by the lens. The visual impulse is then transmitted to the brain where the picture of the object is processed and seen.

Sometimes, mostly after a retinal break, the retina can come loose from the inside of the eye. The retina cannot function in this way, and that part of the retina cannot see light which rapidly progress to involve the complete visual field.

What are the symptoms of a retinal detachment?

A retinal detachment may be preceded by the appearance of floaters or flashes. Typically, the patient sees the appearance of a curtain or a shadow from one side of the visual field. This may progress over the visual field until all vision in the eye is lost.

These signs can occur gradually as the retina pulls away from the supportive tissue, or they may occur suddenly if the retina detaches immediately.

About one in seven people with sudden onset of flashes and floaters will have a retinal tear or detachment, according to a study reported in late 2009 in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

Up to 50 per cent of people who experience a retinal tear will have a subsequent detachment. No pain is associated with retinal detachment. If you experience any of the signs, consult your Retinal Eye Specialist right away. Immediate treatment increases your odds of regaining lost vision.

How is a retinal detachment treated?

A retinal detachment is treated surgically, with an operation to re-attach the retina to the inside of the eye and may sometimes be prevented by timely laser prophylaxis in the surgery. This is performed by a retinal specialist.

This is usually performed by an operation called a vitrectomy, during which the vitreous is replaced with gas or silicone oil. LASER treatment is performed to the retina to form a permanent attachment. Surgery is mostly successful but may be complicated by re-detachment, macular swelling, or pre-retinal fibrosis.