Retinal Eye Surgeries
Retinal Detachment Surgery
Retinal detachment is a serious eye condition where the retina—the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye—pulls away from its normal position. This usually happens due to a tear in the retina, allowing fluid from the vitreous (the gel-like substance inside the eye) to leak underneath and lift the retina away.
Common causes include age-related changes in the vitreous, trauma, or underlying eye conditions. People with high myopia (short-sightedness) or a family history of retinal detachment may be at higher risk.
Early diagnosis and treatment are key to preserving vision. If you notice sudden changes in your vision, please contact your optometrist, GP or the clinic.
- Sudden appearance of flashes or floaters
- A shadow or curtain over part of your vision
- Blurred or distorted vision
- A reddish or pink tint to vision if bleeding occurs
Retinal detachment requires prompt surgical treatment to prevent permanent vision loss. The two main procedures are:
- Vitrectomy – removing the vitreous gel and repairing the retina
- Scleral Buckling – placing a flexible band around the eye to support the retina
Epiretinal Membrane Surgery
An epiretinal membrane is a scar which develops at the back of the eye on the retinal lining causing distortion in the vision. Normal aging of the eye or previous retinal trauma or retinal tear can cause retinal scarring. Surgery may be effective in removing the membrane and reducing the visual distortion. In evaluating an epiretinal membrane it is important to have a thorough eye examination including investigations to establish the possible cause and the condition of the underlying retina.
If there is a possibility that surgery may improve vision, then vitrectomy with removal of the epiretinal membrane is suggested. Cataract surgery can be combined with the epiretinal membrane surgery if a visually significant cataract is present.
Vitrectomy Surgery
Vitrectomy is a type of eye surgery that involves removing some or all of the vitreous humour—a clear, gel-like substance that fills the back of the eye. This procedure is often performed to treat retinal problems such as retinal detachment or bleeding into the vitreous.
In many cases, the removed vitreous is replaced with a gas or air bubble to help hold the retina in place during healing. The gas is gradually absorbed by the body over time—air typically within 1 week, and gas over several weeks to months. As the gas is absorbed, the eye naturally refills with a clear fluid produced by the body.
- Vision will initially be blurred due to the gas bubble.
- As the bubble shrinks, patients may see it moving or notice black spots, which are small bubbles breaking apart.
- Vision will gradually improve as the gas is reabsorbed.
Do not fly or travel to high altitudes while the gas bubble is still in your eye. Changes in air pressure can cause the bubble to expand, dangerously increasing eye pressure.
If you have any questions about vitrectomy or post-surgical care, our team is here to help guide you through recovery.
As with all eye procedures, there are risks associated with ophthalmic procedures and these will be explained at the time of your consultation. If you have any concerns regarding your eye after your procedure we recommend you contact the clinic to discuss your symptoms and arrange review. If you are unable to reach the clinic or one of our doctors, please attend your nearest Emergency Department for review.
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