Retina Surgery

The retina is a thin membrane that lines the inner back wall of the eye. This eye tissue consists of several layers. The retina incorporates blood vessels, cells, nerve fibers, and sensory receptors that are important for sight. The retina as a whole is responsible for converting images seen through the eye and transmitting those images to the brain for visual interpretation.

There are many different types of surgeries and treatments for a lot of retinal issues. The most common of these eye surgeries are laser repair of retinal tears or holes. These surgeries can now often be done in a comfortable office setting. Surgery for a retinal detachment is more involved and requires a trip to the operating room.

Surgery for macular pucker is a common retinal surgery. A thin fibrous layer called an epiretinal membrane (ERM) can form over the retina. In some patients, this thin membrane can become wrinkled and “pucker” right over the macula. This area is where central and our most detailed vision comes from. A membrane peel surgery can be performed when the vision is impaired or distorted.

Certain medical conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, macular degeneration, or vein occlusion can cause abnormal bleeding to occur in the retina. Sometimes laser procedures can be performed to stop
the bleeding from these conditions. Laser surgery can also be used in patients with wet macular degeneration to stop fluid from leaking under the macula.

While laser treatments can be performed in an office, retinal surgery is performed in an operating room. Retinal surgery is often done as an outpatient and usually performed under local anesthesia. General anesthesia is available for those patients with anxiety. Retinal surgery is very delicate and will require several follow-up visits with your retinal surgeon. A series of eye drops will need to be used to make sure the eye does not develop an infection and help recovery from eye surgery. Your surgeon will determine the length of time you will need to continue drops and if any positioning or activity restrictions are needed after successful surgery.

Retinal surgery is performed by a retinal specialist. This type of medical doctor (MD) is an ophthalmologist who specializes in the retina and diseases of the retina.