Retinal detachment surgery in Turkey | Competitive costs

Types of retinal detachment

There are three major types of retinal detachment:

• Rhegmatogenous detachment is the most common. It is caused by a tear in the retina and is favored by factors such as myopia, history of cataract surgery, ocular trauma, peripheral retinal degeneration, and family history.
• Tractional detachment is caused by traction on the retina, often due to scar tissue formation in conditions such as proliferative diabetic retinopathy or sickle cell disease.
• Serous (or exudative) detachment results from an accumulation of fluid under the retina without tearing or traction. It may be associated with inflammatory eye diseases (such as uveitis),tumors, or vascular abnormalities.

Retinal detachment: Recognizing the signs

Retinal detachment can be insidious, with no symptoms at first. However, if a significant portion of the retina is detached, alarming signs may appear:

• A sudden increase in "flying spots" (small black or gray dots floating in the field of vision).
• Flashes of light (photopsia) seen in the periphery of vision.
• The appearance of a shadow or "curtain" covering part of the field of vision.
• Blurred or distorted vision that gets worse quickly.

Don't wait. The sooner a detachment is diagnosed and treated, the better the chances of preserving your vision.

Causes of retinal detachment

Several factors can cause retinal detachment:

• Eye trauma: A blow or injury to the eye or face can cause the retina to tear.
• High myopia: People with high myopia are at greater risk because of the eyeball's elongated shape and the retina's thinning.
• Surgical procedures: Cataract surgery and, in rare cases, LASIK may promote retinal detachment, especially in highly myopic individuals.
• Ocular and systemic pathologies: Ocular tumors, inflammation of the eye (uveitis),and certain common diseases such as diabetes or sickle cell anemia can increase the risk of detachment.

Diagnosis of retinal detachment

Indirect ophthalmoscopy is the gold standard for accurate detection and classification of retinal detachment. Although useful for examining the posterior pole, direct ophthalmoscopy may miss peripheral lesions. Additional examination of the peripheral retina using indirect ophthalmoscopy with scleral depression or biomicroscopy with a 3-mirror lens is necessary.

When media opacities prevent direct visualization of the fundus, high-frequency ophthalmoscopy allows indirect assessment of the retina and the presence of detachment.

Retinal detachment treatment in Turkey

To repair a detached retina, surgery is essential. This delicate operation is performed by an ophthalmologist who specializes in retinal diseases.

Several surgical techniques can be used depending on the severity and extent of the detachment:

• Sclerotomy with cerclage: This is the most common technique. The surgeon places a small silicone band, similar to a rubber band, around the eye to reduce traction within the eye and allow the retina to reattach. This procedure is often combined with other techniques to strengthen this adhesion.
• Vitrectomy: This technique involves removing the gel that fills the eye (the vitreous body) and replacing it with a gas bubble or silicone oil. These substances exert pressure on the retina, helping it to reposition itself correctly.
• Pneumatic retinopexy: The surgeon injects a gas bubble into the eye to press the retina against the inner wall of the eye and promote healing.

The choice of surgical technique depends on the ophthalmologist's assessment of your case. The goal is always to repair the retinal detachment and preserve as much of your vision as possible.