Is retinal detachment surgery painful?

Retinal surgery is usually painless and performed while you remain awake and comfortable. Advances in technology have decreased the length of surgery making outpatient eye surgery possible. Before the procedure begins, you will be given anesthetic eye drops that numb the eyes.

How long is recovery from retinal detachment surgery?

You will need 2 to 4 weeks to recover before returning to your normal activities. This care sheet gives you a general idea about how long it will take for you to recover. But each person recovers at a different pace. Follow the steps below to get better as quickly as possible.

Does retinal eye surgery hurt?

Retina surgery is major eye surgery. Expect the eye to hurt after surgery after the local anesthesia wears off. Much of this can be relieved with pain medicine. We strongly encourage the use of pain medicine every 4-6 hours after surgery unless there is a contraindication.

Are you awake for retinal detachment surgery?

Most surgeries to repair a detached retina don't need general anesthesia, so you'll be awake for it. The surgery itself can cause other problems, though, including: Bleeding.

How long does retina repair surgery take?

A special intraocular gas may be injected into the eye, creating a bubble that expands and pushes the retina against the back of the eye. Surgery usually lasts two hours.

Life After Retinal Detachment Surgery

What can you not do after retinal detachment surgery?

Allow the eye to heal. Don't do things where you might move your head. This includes moving quickly, lifting anything heavy, or doing activities such as cleaning or gardening. You will probably need to take 2 to 4 weeks off from work.

How long does pain last after retinal surgery?

You may feel some pain and discomfort for a few days following surgery. If the pain is severe or worsens, contact your doctor immediately. When can I resume normal activities after detached retina surgery? You can resume most normal activities within one to two weeks.

Is laser surgery for detached retina painful?

You may feel the lens moving slightly as the doctor directs the laser. The laser itself may cause a prickly sensation, but usually does not feel like much. If it is causing pain, please let your doctor know and (s)he can lower the power, which should ease the pain. This procedure usually takes about 5-10 minutes.

How do you sleep after retinal tear surgery?

Face down (“eyes down”) posturing is only required during waking hours, not when you're sleeping. It is recommended to sleep on either side or even your front, but not sleep on your back as that would make the bubble move away from the macular hole.

What is the success rate of retinal detachment surgery?

In most specialist centres around nine out of ten retinal detachments are successfully repaired with a single operation. In the remaining cases, the retina re-detaches and needs another operation. The final success rate is over 95 per cent.

Do you have to keep your head down after retina surgery?

Certain retinal surgeries require that you keep your head in a face down (parallel to the ground) position during recovery. If this position is not maintained for several weeks after surgery, the surgery will not be successful.

How long does it take to go blind from retinal detachment?

A retinal detachment may cause permanent blindness over a matter of days and should be considered an eye emergency until evaluated by a retina specialist. Most retinal detachments occur suddenly and can threaten the central vision within hours or days.

Can I watch TV after retinal detachment?

During the recovery period, patients should avoid certain activities including watching TV, driving and heavy lifting. Patients with nonactive jobs can typically return to work after two weeks. If not treated quickly, a retinal detachment can cause partial or total vision loss so prompt treatment is essential.

Can I work on computer after retinal detachment surgery?

It is better to take at least 15 days off from work and other routine activities like excessive computer work etc.

When does vision come back after retinal detachment surgery?

Although most patients who undergo retinal detachment surgery have stable vision 3–6 months after surgery, vision continues to improve in a subgroup of patients up to 5 years after surgery.

Is retinal tear an emergency?

Retinal detachment is a medical emergency in which you can permanently lose your vision.

What is the most common cause of retinal detachment?

Aging is the most common cause of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. As you get older, the vitreous in your eye may change in texture and may shrink. Sometimes, as it shrinks, the vitreous can pull on your retina and tear it.

Can I wash my hair after retinal detachment surgery?

You may shower and wash your hair carefully the day after your surgery. Do not scrub your head vigorously. Avoid getting soap and water in your eye. Do not let the water pound on your face.

How much can you walk 2 weeks after retinal detachment surgery?

You should avoid exercising for at least 2 weeks following your surgery. You may resume normal activities, little by little. After week 1, you may start by walking as much as a mile. You may advance to 2 miles, in the second week and can typically run by week six.

Do you have to lay flat after detached retina surgery?

Long thought of as a standard post retina surgery recovery method, Face Down Positioning (FDP) is not necessary at New Vision Eye Center with retina procedures performed by Dr. Robert Reinauer. Typically, face-down positioning is required for several days to a week and, in some cases, longer.

What are the warning signs of a detached retina?

How long do I have to sleep on my side after retinal surgery?

POSITIONING: Patients who undergo vitrectomy with gas bubble will need to position either right side down, left side down, or face down for 1 week after surgery. Dr. Dahr will give you more specific positioning instructions right after surgery.

How long does the gas bubble last after retinal surgery?

The most commonly used gases are known as “SF6” and “C3F8”. SF6 gas stays in the eye for about one month; C3F8 gas remains for about two months. SF6 gas is used most often, while C3F8 gas is reserved for more complex retinal detachments and some macular holes. Air stays in the eye for about one week.

What does vitrectomy feel like?

After the surgery, your eye may be swollen, red, or tender for several weeks. You might have some pain in your eye and your vision may be blurry for a few days after the surgery. You will need 2 to 4 weeks to recover before you can do your normal activities again.

Which surgery is best for retinal detachment?

Vitrectomy This surgery is commonly used to fix a retinal detachment and is performed in an operating room. The vitreous gel, which is pulling on the retina, is removed from the eye and usually replaced with a gas bubble.