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Retina Tears & Detachment

Retinal Detachment

A retinal tear is often considered very serious because the vitreous liquid may leak through the tear and collect under the retina. Gradually, the buildup of liquid separates the retina from the wall of the eye, a condition called retinal detachment.

The major treatments for retinal detachment are:

• Scleral buckling – a sponge or silicon plastic is placed on the outside of the eye and sewn in place. This will push the sclera (the white of the eye) toward the tear in the retina.
  
• Pneumatic retinopexy – The surgeon injects a gas bubble inside the vitreous cavity. The bubble pushes against the retinal tear to close the defect allowing the retina to flatten out. The patient must maintain a specific head position for up to several days and undergo laser treatment in order to prevent the detachment from recurring