Retinal Detachment Surgery in Ranchi
Urgent, expert surgical care for retinal detachment by Dr. Dibya Prabha — Fellowship-trained Retina & Vitreous Surgeon — at Neurovision Clinic, Ranchi.
What is Retinal Detachment?
Retinal detachment is a serious eye condition in which the retina — the light-sensitive layer of tissue at the back of the eye — separates from its underlying supportive tissue (the retinal pigment epithelium and choroid). Without its blood supply, the detached retina loses function, leading to vision loss. Retinal detachment is a medical emergency. There are three main types: rhegmatogenous (the most common, caused by a retinal tear or hole through which vitreous fluid seeps under the retina), tractional (scar tissue on the retina pulls it away, common in advanced diabetic retinopathy), and exudative (fluid accumulates under the retina without a tear, due to inflammation, tumors, or vascular conditions). Prompt surgical repair is essential to prevent permanent vision loss.
Symptoms of Retinal Detachment
- •Sudden appearance of many floaters — small specks, lines, or 'cobwebs' in the vision
- •Sudden flashes of light (photopsia) in one or both eyes, especially in peripheral vision
- •A shadow or curtain-like effect moving across the field of vision from the side inward
- •Sudden, painless blurring of vision
- •A sensation of heaviness or 'something in the eye'
- •In macula-off detachments: dramatic, sudden loss of central vision
Causes & Risk Factors
- •Posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) — the normal aging-related separation of vitreous gel from the retina, which can cause retinal tears
- •High myopia (severe nearsightedness) — thinned retina is more prone to tears
- •Eye trauma or injury — blunt or penetrating injuries can cause detachment
- •Previous eye surgery, especially cataract surgery
- •Lattice degeneration — areas of thinned retina present from birth that are prone to tearing
- •Diabetic retinopathy — advanced stages cause tractional detachment
- •Family history of retinal detachment
- •Previous retinal detachment in the other eye significantly increases risk
Diagnostic Tests
Dilated Fundus Examination
The primary diagnostic test — detailed examination of the entire retina to locate tears, holes, and extent of detachment.
OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography)
High-resolution cross-sectional imaging to confirm detachment, assess macular involvement, and plan surgery.
Fundus Photography
Wide-field retinal photography to document the detachment and any retinal tears for surgical planning.
Treatment Approach
Dr. Dibya Prabha, fellowship-trained retina surgeon, offers all three major approaches to retinal detachment repair, selecting the optimal technique for each patient:
Vitrectomy
The most common approach. The vitreous gel is removed through tiny incisions. Subretinal fluid is drained, the retina is reattached, laser is applied around retinal tears, and the eye is filled with a gas bubble or silicone oil to hold the retina in place while it heals.
Scleral Buckle
A silicone band is placed around the outside of the eye to indent the eyewall, bringing it into contact with the detached retina. Often combined with cryotherapy (freezing) or laser to seal retinal tears. Particularly useful for young patients and certain detachment types.
Pneumatic Retinopexy
For select, small detachments with a single superior tear. A gas bubble is injected into the vitreous cavity. The patient maintains a specific head position so the bubble rises and presses against the tear, allowing the retina to reattach. Laser or cryotherapy seals the tear.
⚠️ When to See a Doctor
- !Immediately — if you experience sudden increase in floaters, flashes of light, or a shadow/curtain in your peripheral vision. This is a medical emergency.
- !If you have had a recent eye injury and notice any vision changes
- !If you are highly myopic and notice new floaters or flashes — you are at higher risk
- !If you have a family history of retinal detachment and experience any warning symptoms
- !After any eye surgery — report any new visual symptoms promptly