Retinal conditions

• Vitreous disorders: The vitreous is a collagen rich jelly which fills the eye. With age it contracts and dehydrates which may result in visual changes. Vitreous conditions include symptomatic vitreous opacities, vitreous haemorrhage and posterior vitreous detachment. These may be managed by observation, intravitreal therapy (injections), laser or surgery.
• Vitreoretinal interface disorders: These include epiretinal membranes, vitreomacular traction and macular holes. Dr Makda will assess your condition and work out a management plan which may include surgery.
• Retinal tears: These are full-thickness breaks in the retina that can lead to rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD), the most common type of retinal detachment. RRD occurs when fluid from the vitreous cavity enters the subretinal space through these tears, causing the retina to separate from the underlying retinal pigment epithelium.

Surgical retina procedure

Dr Makda may consult and operate in conjunction with other specialists in complex vitreoretinal cases. The treatment of retinal detachment often involves both in-office procedures and surgical interventions performed in a theatre. In the office, laser photocoagulation or pneumatic retinopexy may be utilized. Laser photocoagulation employs focused laser beams to create small burns around retinal tears, forming scar tissue that helps seal the tear and prevent further detachment. Pneumatic retinopexy involves injecting a gas bubble into the eye, which pushes the retina back into place, allowing for additional laser treatment to repair any holes or tears. These procedures can often be performed under local anaesthesia, allowing patients to return home shortly after.

For more complex cases or extensive detachments, retinal detachment repair in a surgical theatre is necessary. This typically involves vitrectomy, where the vitreous gel is removed to access and repair the retina. During this procedure, tears are sealed using laser or cryotherapy, and a gas or silicone oil bubble is inserted to support the retina as it heals. The choice of procedure depends on factors such as the extent of the detachment and the specific characteristics of the retinal damage. Overall, timely intervention is critical in preserving vision and preventing permanent damage from retinal detachment.