When the retina detaches from the back of the eye, it needs to be replaced surgically, usually during outpatient surgery. Pneumatic retinoplexy, vitrectomy, or scleral buckle placement may be used to repair retinal detachment.
Immediately After Surgery
You may be groggy right after surgery if general anesthesia was used for vitrectomy or scleral buckle placement. Your eye will be covered with a plastic shield to protect it from injury. Pneumatic retinoplexy is an office procedure done under local anesthesia.
First One to Two Weeks
If a pneumatic retinoplexy or vitrectomy with gas bubble was done, you'll need to position your head for a period of time as directed by your doctor. Scleral buckle requires no special positioning.
Complications
Retinal surgery can cause infection, high intraocular pressure, and cataract formation. Retinal detachment surgery can fail and need to be re-done.
Resuming Normal Activities
Patients with a gas bubble can't travel in an airplane until it's completely absorbed, probably several months. Return to work depends on how quickly your vision improves; normal activities can usually be resumed within a week, except for heavy lifting.
Regaining Vision
Vision may never return to what it was before the detachment, especially if the macula was detached, according to the Mayo Clinic. Patients who weren't seen and treated promptly may not regain any vision.
Tags: buckle placement, Pneumatic retinoplexy, retinoplexy vitrectomy, scleral buckle, scleral buckle placement, vitrectomy scleral