Retinal Detachment
Retinal detachment occurs with a frequency of 1 per 15,000 population per year. The tear (or hole) responsible for the detachment develops as a result of shifting within the vitreous gel (detachment of the posterior vitreous hyaloid). Retinal detachment requires a surgical procedure for repair (reattachment). If a tear (or hole) is detected before the detachment occurs, prophylactic laser coagulative treatment can be done.
Retina detachment repair is performed either by (1) buckling the external surface of the eye or (2) operating within the eye, a vitrectomy procedure, so called.
Retinal Detachment picture 2
Photograph focus on nervehead and macula
During the buckling operation, the fluid that has caused the retinal detachment is removed by external puncture. During the internal vitrectomy approach, the fluid is removed by a needle-shaped device with cutting action at the tip.
The particular characteristics of the retinal detachment determine which of the two operative procedures are performed. Either has a high rate of success.
