Surgical options for Retinal Tear
Surgical options for retinal care is the third article in series of four with regards to retinal eye injuries and care.
There are several surgical options for treating a retinal tear. The choice of procedure depends on the severity and location of the tear. Here are some common surgical options:
- Laser photocoagulation: This is a non-invasive procedure that uses a laser to create a scar around the tear. The scar seals the retina to the underlying tissue, preventing further tearing.
- Cryotherapy: This procedure uses a cold probe to freeze the retina around the tear. The frozen tissue forms a scar that seals the tear.
- Pneumatic retinopexy: This is a minimally invasive procedure that involves injecting a gas bubble into the vitreous gel in the eye. The patient’s head is positioned in a certain way to position the gas bubble over the tear, and the gas bubble pushes the retina back into place. The tear is then sealed with laser or cryotherapy.
- Vitrectomy: This is a more invasive procedure that involves removing the vitreous gel from the eye and replacing it with a gas or silicone oil bubble. The retina is then repositioned and secured with laser or cryotherapy.
It’s important to note that retinal tears can lead to serious complications such as retinal detachment, so it’s important to seek prompt medical attention if you suspect a retinal tear. Your eye specialist will be able to recommend the most appropriate surgical option for your particular case.
Next article: Surgical options for Retinal Detachment.