Detached Retina & Macular Hole Surgery
When light enters our eye, it passes through the cornea, the lens and the vitreous before finally reaching the retina. Here, it is converted to electrical impulses. These electrical impulses are sent via the optic nerve to the brain where they are converted into the bright, colourful images that we see.
In healthy, young eyes the light passes through the eye to the retina unimpeded. However, over time, the vitreous (a clear, gel-like fluid in the globe of the eye) can become opaque. This prevents light from reaching the retina effectively, which can result in visual problems such as hazy vision, 'floaters' or macular holes.
Retina & Macular Hole Treatments at Optegra
Optegra plays a leading role in the research and treatment of retinal conditions. Our corrective vitrectomy treatments are among the best in the world. A vitrectomy involves removing the opaque fluid from the eye, allowing a clear passage for light to reach the retina once more. Most retinal conditions begin with this procedure and are then followed by an additional treatment to correct the specific condition. Floater operations, for instance, combine vitrectomy with cataract removal, whereas a macular hole procedure involves coaxing the detached retina back into position once initial vitrectomy has been performed.
Post Retina Surgery Care
After your treatment we will ensure you spend some time resting in our recovery room before returning home. Your surgeon will advise you to rest at home for a few hours more and to get a good nights sleep to help speedup recovery.
For most of our procedures we will ask you to return to our hospital for a check-up at a later date. Your surgeon will assess your progress and will make sure you're recovery is proceeding as expected. Your consultant will also be happy to answer any questions regarding your continuing recovery at this stage.
Which Optegra Hospitals Provide Retinal Treatments?
At Optegra, we provide retinal treatments in all our UK hospitals. We have eye hospitals located in Birmingham, Solent, Surrey, Yorkshire & Manchester. Every Optegra hospital is run by a team of experienced eye surgeons who deliver a wealth of knowledge to their patients. All our hospitals are equipped with the world's most advanced eye technologies. Using this equipment, our eye consultants can diagnose retina problems and personalise treatments to each patients specific needs.
Contact Us About Retinal Surgery
For further details about detached retina treatments, macular hole surgery or to book a consultation, please contact Optegra today.Frequently asked questions
I am diabetic. Am I at risk of retinal disease?People with diabetes may be at a higher risk of retinal problems, therefore we would recommend an annual retinal screening to anyone suffering from diabetes. If a retinal problem is detected, early treatment is key to maintaining a good level of vision.
Vitrectomy surgery is performed with local anaesthetic, which completely numbs the eye and surrounding tissues, making it a pain-free procedure. If you feel very apprehensive, however, you should not hesitate to ask your surgeon for intravenous sedation. The actual procedure takes between 30 and 60 minutes, and although most people feel some discomfort after the procedure, this typically wears off over within 24 to 48 hours.
Your level of vision post-treatment will depend on the exact procedure used. Patients who receive macular hole surgery can experience a low level of vision for 2-3 weeks after surgery, but vision should return fairly quickly after this time. In other retinal procedures, however, a good level of vision will be restored quickly over the first few days. The eye may feel a little 'bruised' for a few days, but this will wear off gradually.
Your surgeon will advise you of any activities or environments to avoid following your surgery. The main area of caution is around flying, which should be avoided if you have received macular hole surgery.
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Linda Sowden (Surgeon: Mr. James Ball)
I was feeling anxious about having lens implant, but I soon realised I had ...
