Question 1

What is a retina detachment?

Accepted Answer

Retinal detachment (also known as retina detachment) is a serious eye emergency where the light-sensitive retina pulls away from the back of the eye. Without prompt treatment by a retina specialist, it can cause permanent vision loss.

Question 2

What are the warning signs of a retina detachment?

Accepted Answer

Common symptoms include the sudden onset of floaters, flashes of light (especially in the side vision), a dark shadow or curtain over part of the vision, and a sudden decrease in vision. These symptoms are painless but urgent, and medical attention should be sought immediately.

Question 3

Is retina detachment a medical emergency?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A detached retina is an emergency that needs prompt evaluation by a retina specialist. The earlier it is treated, the better the chance of restoring vision.

Question 4

What causes a retina detachment?

Accepted Answer

Common causes include age-related changes in the vitreous gel (posterior vitreous detachment), eye injury or trauma, excessive eye rubbing, previous eye surgery such as cataract surgery, and a family history of retina detachment.

Question 5

How is a retina detachment diagnosed?

Accepted Answer

Diagnosis is made through a dilated eye examination. Ocular imaging such as OCT and B-scan ultrasound, along with wide-field retina photography, may be used to locate and document the detachment and assess its severity.

Question 6

What are the treatment options for retina detachment?

Accepted Answer

Treatment depends on the type and location of the detachment. Options include vitrectomy, microsurgery to remove the vitreous and reattach the retina; scleral buckling, where a band is placed around the eye to relieve traction; pneumatic retinopexy, where a gas bubble is injected to push the retina back; and laser therapy or cryotherapy to seal retinal tears. Dr Paul Zhao performs all major forms of retina reattachment surgery at multiple private hospitals in Singapore.

Question 7

Is retina detachment surgery painful?

Accepted Answer

The surgery is typically performed under regional anaesthesia with deep sedation, or under general anaesthesia. The patient may feel some pressure on the eye during the surgery but should not feel any pain.

Question 8

How long does retina detachment surgery take?

Accepted Answer

Routine retina detachment surgery usually lasts about one to two hours. Certain types of detachment, especially chronic cases with extensive scarring, may take up to three hours.

Question 9

What is the recovery like after retina detachment surgery?

Accepted Answer

Most patients go home the same day. Face-down positioning may be required for several days if a gas bubble is used. Vision recovery can take weeks to months, and follow-up visits are essential to monitor healing.

Question 10

What is the success rate of retina detachment surgery?

Accepted Answer

Published surgical series report primary reattachment rates of approximately 85-90% for uncomplicated rhegmatogenous retinal detachment, with higher rates after a second procedure where needed. Individual outcomes vary. The visual outcome depends on how quickly treatment was carried out and whether the macula was affected. For chronic detachments and redetachments with scarring, the success rate may be lower due to the increased complexity of the condition.

Question 11

What is the risk of a retina detachment in the other eye?

Accepted Answer

After a retina detachment in one eye, the risk in the other eye is approximately 10-15%. Preventive treatment with laser or cryopexy to areas of retinal thinning can reduce the risk of a detachment in the fellow eye.