If there is only a crack, it can be treated with a laser. Ophthalmologists “weld” the retina around the hole or tear back together with the lower layer. This prevents retinal detachment from occurring. Cold treatment(cryotherapy) with a cold probe can also be helpful. It seals the existing injuries to the retina.
Eye surgery for retinal detachment
If the retina has already detached, laser treatment will no longer help. Eye surgery is then necessary. There are various techniques. Which one the doctor chooses depends on the extent and cause of the retinal detachment. He or she performs the operation in the hospital either under local or general anesthesia, depending on the severity. Most operations can be performed under local anesthesia.
The most important surgical methods are
- In most cases, the vitreous body is removed (vitrectomy) – the vitreous body can be replaced with silicone oil, a saline solution, air or gas. The retina then reattaches itself firmly to its support.
- In some cases, an additional silicone band is sewn onto the sclera of the eye, but this is rarely necessary today.
If certain underlying diseases are the cause of the retinal detachment, these must also be adequately treated. These include infections, inflammations, eye tumors or eye diseases such as diabetic retinopathy.
24-hour care at the USZ
Especially in the field of emergency care, the eye clinic of the USZ offers 24h care for conservative as well as surgical emergencies. We are available 365 days a year to treat any type of emergency. We attach particular importance to ensuring that surgical emergencies such as retinal detachment, eye injuries or serious infections can be operated on as quickly as possible – within a few hours – even at weekends and on public holidays.