Retinal Detachment

The retina is a light sensitive membrane lining the inner eyeball and connected by the optic nerve to the brain. One of the most common retinal problems requiring surgical treatment is retinal detachment.

Tearing or detachment of the retina is fairly common among seniors. With aging, the vitreous gel that fills the central cavity of the eye becomes more fluid. When this happens, the shifting of fluid with normal eye movements can pull and tear the retina. Symptoms of the torn retina can include seeing spots or flashing lights. Detachment of the retina can result in loss of vision.

Treatment

Surgery is required to correct most cases of retinal tearing and detachment. Procedures performed at The Retina Center at Pali Momi include:

• Laser Surgery: Argon, Krypton and Dye lasers are used to seal retinal tears and prevent detachment, and treat diabetic retinopathy.
• Scleral Buckle Surgery: This procedure for retinal detachment involves placement of a plastic band around the outside of the eye. This band supports tears in the nerve tissue at the back of the eye, allowing the retina to settle back into place.
• Vitrectomy: This procedure may be necessary in severe cases of diabetic retinopathy, or when retinal detachment results in bleeding or scarring in the center of the eye. Vitrectomy involves use of a fiberoptic light and tiny microscopic instruments to remove the vitreous (the fluid or gel at the center of the eye), blood and scar tissue. The central vitreous is then replaced with substitutes, including air, gas, fluid or oil to hold the retina in place while it heals.