Urgent surgical repair to reattach the retina and save sight
Retinal Detachment Surgery
Prompt surgical treatment for a detached retina — using vitrectomy, scleral buckling, or pneumatic retinopexy — to reattach the retina and give the best chance of preserving vision.
Procedures
More Ophthalmology procedures
Choose a procedure to see details, or book an appointment with a verified specialist.
Procedure time
1–2 hours
Anaesthesia
Local or general anaesthesia
Hospital stay
Day-care or 1-day stay
Recovery
2–6 weeks
Overview
What to expect from Retinal Surgery
A detached retina is an eye emergency: the retina peels away from the back of the eye, and vision is lost in the affected area until it is repaired. MedVocs connects you quickly with retinal specialists who can assess and treat the detachment.
Depending on the type and extent of detachment, your surgeon may use vitrectomy, a scleral buckle, or a gas bubble (pneumatic retinopexy), often combined with laser or freezing treatment to seal retinal tears.
Benefits
Why patients choose this procedure
- Timely repair gives the best chance of restoring and preserving vision
- Multiple techniques matched to the type of detachment
- Laser or cryotherapy seals tears to reduce re-detachment risk
- Performed by experienced vitreo-retinal surgeons
- Coordinated urgent assessment given the time-sensitive nature
Why Choose MedVocs
- Fast access to vitreo-retinal specialists for an urgent condition
- Advanced imaging to plan the right surgical approach
- Clear post-operative positioning and care guidance
- Follow-up to monitor healing and the fellow eye
How to prepare (before surgery)
- Attend a pre-surgery consultation where your surgeon reviews your history, examines you, and explains the procedure and expected outcome.
- Complete any pre-operative tests advised — such as blood tests, ECG, or imaging — so you can be confirmed fit for surgery.
- Tell your surgeon about all medicines you take (especially blood thinners like aspirin), and any allergies — some may need to be paused before surgery.
- Fast for 6–8 hours before the procedure as instructed, since it is done under general, spinal, or regional anaesthesia.
- Arrange for a family member or friend to accompany you and take you home after the procedure.
- Stop wearing contact lenses for the period advised before an eye assessment, and arrange for someone to drive you home.
What happens during the procedure — step by step
- 1
You are positioned comfortably and the anaesthesia is administered so you feel no pain during surgery.
- 2
The surgeon makes a small, precise incision and treats or removes the affected tissue.
- 3
Care is taken to control bleeding and protect surrounding healthy structures throughout.
- 4
The incision is closed with sutures or surgical glue and dressed, and you are moved to recovery.
Recovery & what to expect afterwards
- You are observed in a recovery area for a few hours and, in most cases, discharged the same day once you are stable.
- Most patients return to light daily activities within a recovery window of about 2–6 weeks, depending on individual healing.
- You will receive clear instructions on wound care, medication, diet, and activity, plus a scheduled follow-up to review your progress.
Aftercare & precautions
- Take prescribed medicines (including any antibiotics or pain relief) exactly as directed, and keep the surgical area clean and dry.
- Avoid heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, and driving until your surgeon confirms it is safe to resume them.
- Watch for warning signs — increasing pain, swelling, bleeding, discharge, or fever — and contact your care team promptly if they occur.
- Attend all follow-up appointments so healing can be checked and any stitches or dressings managed on time.
- Use the prescribed eye drops on schedule, avoid rubbing or splashing water in the eye, and wear protective shields or sunglasses as advised.
For reference information only. This page provides general guidance about Retinal Detachment Surgery and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Exact technique, anaesthesia, and recovery vary by patient and surgeon. Please consult a qualified specialist and confirm details with the MedVocs care team before deciding on any procedure.
FAQs
Common questions about Retinal Surgery
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