How long does retinal detachment surgery take

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Important Phone Numbers. Topic Contents Your Recovery How can you care for yourself at home? When should you call for help? Where can you learn more? Top of the page.

Your Recovery You have had surgery to fix a retinal detachment. How can you care for yourself at home? Rest when you feel tired. 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. It depends on the type of work you do and how you feel. You may drive when your vision allows it. People who are colourblind usually have difficulty with the colours green, yellow, orange and red. Conjunctivitis is an eye infection caused by a bacteria or virus.

Symptoms include eye redness, a discharge and swollen lids. Conjunctivitis is treated with antibacterial eye drops or ointment. Children must not attend school or child care if they have conjunctivitis.

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Skip to main content. Home Eyes. Retinal detachment. Actions for this page Listen Print. Summary Read the full fact sheet. On this page. The retina What is retinal detachment? Causes of retinal detachment Who is at risk of retinal detachment?

Symptoms of retinal detachment Surgery for retinal detachment Long term outlook for retinal detachment Are there other forms of treatment for retinal detachment? Where to get help. The retina The retina is the innermost layer of the wall of the eye and is made up of light sensitive cells known as rods and cones, which detect shape, colour and pattern. What is retinal detachment? Causes of retinal detachment The most common cause of retinal detachment is age-related shrinkage of the vitreous gel, which may lead to tearing at a weak point in the retina.

Who is at risk of retinal detachment? One to two weeks of recovery time is typically required after retinal detachment surgery. If the surgery involved inserting a gas bubble into the eye to apply pressure to the retina, the patient must often spend much of the recovery time facedown.

During the recovery period, patients should avoid driving, heavy lifting and watching TV. 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.

If you notice changes to your vision, do not delay in seeking treatment. Contact Associated Retina Consultants at or associatedretinaconsultants. This content does not have an Arabic version. Diagnosis Your doctor may use the following tests, instruments and procedures to diagnose retinal detachment: Retinal examination. The doctor may use an instrument with a bright light and special lenses to examine the back of your eye, including the retina.

This type of device provides a highly detailed view of your whole eye, allowing the doctor to see any retinal holes, tears or detachments. Ultrasound imaging. Your doctor may use this test if bleeding has occurred in the eye, making it difficult to see your retina. More Information Ultrasound. Pneumatic retinopexy Open pop-up dialog box Close.

Pneumatic retinopexy After sealing a retinal tear with cryopexy, a gas bubble is injected into the vitreous. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Ferri FF. Retinal detachment. In: Ferri's Clinical Advisor Philadelphia, Pa. Accessed Sept. Facts about retinal detachment.

National Eye Institute.