Information on retinal surgery

When the retina detaches itself from the underlying epithelial tissue it needs to be surgically reattached to prevent permanent loss of sight. This dislocation can happen due to the aging process or some intense physical trauma. The resulting tears in the retina can dislodge it from the underlying anchoring layer of cells. Retinal surgery can involve various techniques including Vitrectomy. This involves the insertion of some benign substance to push the detached retina back into position. One such commonly used substance is silicone oil. Another option is expandable gas.

It is thus natural for the silicone oil to remain in the eye for a prescribed period of time. This time period will be determined based on the specific case by the primary care physician treating the problem. Once the doctor decides that the retina has successfully reattached the silicone oil can be safely removed. While the silicone oil is in the retina it is important to make sure the head is positioned in specific ways. This is to maximize the pressure of the substance on the detached portion of the retina to make sure the reattachment happens on schedule. How the head needs to be held will depend on where in the eye the retina has come loose.