Dr. Diva Kant Misra

Retinal detachment happens when your retina (a light-sensitive layer of tissue at the back of your eye) is pulled away from its normal position. Retinal detachment is a medical emergency, and early treatment is important to protect your vision.

If you have a retinal detachment, you may need surgery to reattach your retina to the back of your eye within a few days. After surgery, you may need to stay in the hospital for a short time — and it might take a few weeks before your vision starts getting better.

There are 3 types of surgery that doctors can do to fix a detached retina:

• Pneumatic retinopexy (“noo-mat-ick RET-ih-no-pek-see”)
• Scleral buckle
• Vitrectomy

The type of surgery you need will depend on several things, including how much of your retina is detached and where in your eye it detached. Your doctor will talk to you about what type they recommend, and about the risks and benefits of surgery. Some people may need more than one type of surgery at once.

During the surgery, your doctor may also use laser or freeze treatments to repair tears or holes in your retina and help hold your retina in place after surgery.