Our retina specialist will perform a detailed eye examination, including a careful evaluation of the peripheral retina. This may involve applying gentle pressure to the outside of the eye-a technique called scleral depression-to visualize the far peripheral retina and identify any retinal breaks that require treatment. Retinal imaging may also be performed to document the extent of the detachment.

The goal of the examination is to assess the extent of the retinal detachment and determine the most appropriate treatment approach. The primary objectives of treatment are to reattach the retina to its original position, seal any retinal breaks, and restore retinal function. Several methods are available to achieve these outcomes:

Laser Surgery - When a single tear or hole is found and the retinal detachment is localized to a small area, our retina specialist may perform a focal laser treatment in the office to "weld" the retina and prevent the detachment from spreading.

Pneumatic Retinopexy - When the retinal detachment is located in the upper (superior) part of the retina and is associated with a single tear or multiple closely spaced tears, our retina specialist may consider injecting a small bubble of inert gas into the eye. The gas bubble rises and presses against the detached retina, helping it reattach to the wall of the eye. The tear itself may be sealed either with freezing therapy (cryotherapy) at the time of gas injection or with laser treatment a few days later, both performed in the office.

Vitrectomy - In certain cases where the retinal detachment is more advanced, surgery is required. This procedure is performed in the operating room. Specialized instruments are inserted into the eye to remove the vitreous gel, allowing the retina to flatten and reattach. The eye is then reinflated with a gas or silicone oil to support the retina during healing. The retinal tear is sealed using either laser treatment or a freezing probe (cryotherapy).

Scleral Buckle - In this type of surgery, a flexible silicone band is placed around the outside of the eye (the sclera), gently pressing the wall of the eye inward toward the retinal tear. This relieves traction on the retina and helps it reattach to the underlying tissue. The tear is then treated with a freezing probe (cryotherapy) to create a permanent seal.