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What is Retinal Detachment Surgery?

Retinal detachment surgery is a procedure to repair a detached retina, where the retina (the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye) separates from its underlying tissue, potentially causing vision loss if untreated. Surgery reattaches the retina to restore or preserve vision. In India, retinal detachment surgery is performed in ophthalmology departments at hospitals like Apollo, Fortis, Medanta, and AIIMS, often at affordable costs. Understanding the procedure, costs, recovery, risks, and frequently asked questions (FAQs) is essential for patients in India to make informed decisions.

Why do you need Retinal Detachment Surgery?

Retinal detachment surgery is indicated for:

  • Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD):
    • Most common; caused by a retinal tear or hole allowing fluid to separate the retina (e.g., from posterior vitreous detachment, trauma, high myopia).
  • Tractional retinal detachment:
    • Scar tissue pulls the retina (e.g., diabetic retinopathy, proliferative vitreoretinopathy).
  • Exudative retinal detachment:
    • Fluid buildup without a tear (e.g., uveitis, tumors, central serous chorioretinopathy); surgery less common, often managed medically.
  • Symptoms:
    • Sudden flashes, floaters, a shadow/curtain over vision, or central vision loss (if macula involved).

The procedure aims to reattach the retina, seal any tears, and prevent further detachment, preserving or restoring vision. Techniques include scleral buckling, vitrectomy, pneumatic retinopexy, or a combination.

Why Do Retinal Detachment Surgery Costs Vary in India?

Costs range from ₹50,000 to ₹2 lakh per eye:

  • Procedure Type: Pneumatic retinopexy (₹50,000–₹80,000); scleral buckling (₹80,000–₹1.2 lakh); vitrectomy (₹1–2 lakh).
  • Hospital/Location: Higher in metro cities (Apollo, Fortis); lower in government hospitals (AIIMS, ₹20,000–₹50,000; often subsidized under schemes like Ayushman Bharat).
  • Surgeon’s Expertise: Experienced retina specialists charge more.
  • Additional Costs: Anesthesia (₹5,000–₹15,000), tamponade agents (gas: ₹5,000; silicone oil: ₹10,000–₹20,000), hospital stay (₹5,000–₹15,000/day), medications (₹2,000–₹5,000).
  • Insurance: Covered for medical necessity; confirm with your provider.

Retinal Detachment Surgery Procedure

  • Before Surgery Evaluation:
    • Diagnosis:
      • Dilated fundus exam: Identifies retinal tears, detachment extent, and macula involvement.
      • Ultrasound (B-scan): Confirms detachment if media opaque (e.g., vitreous hemorrhage).
      • Visual acuity test: Assesses vision loss (macula-on: better prognosis; macula-off: urgent).
      • OCT (if needed): Evaluates macula status.
      • Blood tests: Blood sugar (for diabetics), clotting profile.
    • Medications: Stop blood thinners (e.g., aspirin) 5–7 days prior if safe; antibiotic eye drops (e.g., moxifloxacin) 1 day pre-surgery.
    • Consent: Risks, including vision loss, are explained.
  • Surgical Techniques:
    • Scleral Buckling:
      • Performed under general or local anesthesia, lasting 1–2 hours.
      • A silicone band (buckle) is sutured around the sclera to indent the eye wall, closing retinal breaks and relieving traction.
      • Cryotherapy or laser seals the retinal tear.
      • Fluid under the retina may be drained via a small incision (sclerotomy).
      • Used for uncomplicated RRD, esp. in younger patients or peripheral detachments.
    • Vitrectomy:
      • Performed under local or general anesthesia, lasting 1–3 hours.
      • Small incisions (23–27 gauge) are made in the sclera.
      • The vitreous gel is removed (vitrectomy) using a vitrector, relieving traction on the retina.
      • Retinal tears are sealed with laser or cryotherapy.
      • The eye is filled with a tamponade agent:
        • Gas bubble (e.g., SF6, C3F8): Absorbs in 2–8 weeks; requires head positioning.
        • Silicone oil: Removed later (3–6 months) via another surgery; used in complex cases.
      • Used for complex RRD, tractional detachment, or macula-involved cases.
    • Pneumatic Retinopexy:
      • Performed in-clinic under local anesthesia, lasting 30–60 minutes.
      • A gas bubble is injected into the vitreous to push the retina back into place.
      • Laser or cryotherapy seals the tear (done before or after gas injection).
      • Requires strict head positioning for 1–2 weeks.
      • Used for small, superior detachments with a single tear; less invasive but higher failure rate (10–20%).
    • Intraoperative Tools:
      • Vitrector: Removes vitreous gel (vitrectomy).
      • Laser/cryotherapy: Seals retinal tears.
      • Gas/silicone oil: Tamponade agents to hold retina in place.
  • After Surgery:
    • Hospital stay: 1 day (vitrectomy/scleral buckle); same-day discharge (pneumatic retinopexy).
    • Eye care: Antibiotic/steroid drops (e.g., prednisolone, moxifloxacin) for 4–6 weeks; artificial tears for dryness.
    • Pain management: Mild to moderate pain for 2–5 days; managed with acetaminophen.
    • Positioning: Strict head positioning (e.g., face-down) for 1–2 weeks if gas used; varies by surgery.
    • Instructions: Avoid air travel or high altitudes (with gas bubble), heavy lifting, or strenuous activity for 4–6 weeks.

Recovery After Retinal Detachment Surgery

  1. Hospital Stay: 1 day (vitrectomy/scleral buckle); same-day discharge (pneumatic retinopexy).
  2. Post-Surgery Care:
    • Vision: Blurry for weeks due to gas bubble or oil; improves in 1–3 months (macula-on: better prognosis; macula-off: 50–70% regain useful vision).
    • Pain: Mild to moderate for 2–5 days; managed with analgesics.
    • Eye care: Antibiotic/steroid drops for 4–6 weeks; artificial tears for 1–2 months.
    • Activity: Avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activity for 4–6 weeks; normal activities (e.g., reading) in 1–2 weeks.
    • Positioning: Face-down or specific head position for 1–2 weeks (gas bubble); critical for success.
    • Gas bubble: Absorbs in 2–8 weeks; silicone oil removed after 3–6 months (additional surgery).
  3. Follow-Up:
    • Visits at 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, then every 3 months for 1 year to monitor reattachment and vision.
    • Visual acuity/OCT: Assesses retinal status at 1–3 months.

Most resume normal activities in 4–6 weeks; full recovery takes 3–6 months. Success rate: 85–95% achieve anatomic reattachment after one surgery; vision recovery depends on macula status (macula-on: 80–90% regain 6/12 or better; macula-off: 50–70%).

Risks and Complications

  • Surgical Risks:
    • Infection (endophthalmitis, <0.1%): Rare; causes pain, vision loss; needs urgent treatment.
    • Bleeding (1–3%): Vitreous hemorrhage; may resolve or need vitrectomy.
    • Raised intraocular pressure (5–10%): Temporary; managed with drops; glaucoma risk with silicone oil.
  • Post-Surgery:
    • Redetachment (5–15%): Due to new tears, scar tissue (proliferative vitreoretinopathy); may need additional surgery.
    • Cataract (30–50% within 1–2 years): Accelerated by vitrectomy/gas; may need cataract surgery.
    • Double vision (1–3%): Scleral buckle may affect eye muscles; usually temporary.
    • Macular pucker (5–10%): Scar tissue on macula; may need vitrectomy if vision affected.
  • Long-Term:
    • Silicone oil complications (5–10%): Emulsification, glaucoma, or corneal damage; requires removal.
    • Vision distortion (5–10%): If macula damaged; may not fully recover.

Report sudden vision loss, severe pain, or increased redness promptly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What causes retinal detachment?

Retinal tears (from aging, trauma, high myopia), scar tissue (diabetic retinopathy), or fluid buildup (uveitis, tumors).

Can I avoid retinal detachment surgery?

No, if symptomatic detachment; untreated detachment risks permanent vision loss. Laser or cryotherapy can treat small tears before detachment.

Is the surgery painful?

No, performed under anesthesia; mild to moderate pain for 2–5 days, managed with medication.

How soon can I resume activities?

Light activities in 1–2 weeks; normal routines in 4–6 weeks; full recovery in 3–6 months.

Is retinal detachment surgery covered by insurance in India?

Yes, for medical necessity; confirm with your provider.

Signs of complications?

Sudden vision loss, severe pain, or increased redness.

Will my vision return to normal?

Depends on macula status; macula-on: 80–90% regain good vision; macula-off: 50–70% regain useful vision, but often not 6/6.

Lifestyle changes post-surgery?

Follow positioning instructions, avoid air travel (with gas bubble), use prescribed drops, avoid strenuous activity for 4–6 weeks, and attend follow-ups.

Conclusion

Retinal detachment surgery is a critical procedure to reattach the retina and preserve vision, with a high success rate for anatomic reattachment. India’s top hospitals (Apollo, Fortis, AIIMS) provide affordable, expert care, typically covered by insurance. Understanding the procedure, costs, recovery, risks, and FAQs helps patients approach surgery confidently. Consult a retina specialist for personalized guidance and optimal outcomes.

Looking for Best Hospitals for Retinal Detachment Surgery

Note: we are not promoting any hospitals

we are not promoting any hospitals we sourced all the details from google and hospitals website, please verify and start with your surgery here we go the list includes government, budget and superspeciality hospitals accreditation bodies are the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals and Healthcare Providers (NABH) and the Joint Commission International (JCI)

  • click on your city and schedule your surgery now done in good hands.
City Minimum Price (₹) Maximum Price (₹)
Agra
50,000
1,80,000
Ahmedabad
80,000
2,50,000
Ajmer
50,000
1,80,000
Aligarh
50,000
1,80,000
Allahabad
50,000
1,80,000
Amritsar
60,000
2,00,000
Aurangabad
60,000
2,00,000
Bangalore
80,000
2,50,000
Bareilly
50,000
1,80,000
Belgaum
60,000
2,00,000
Bhopal
60,000
2,00,000
Bhubaneswar
60,000
2,00,000
Bikaner
50,000
1,80,000
Chandigarh
80,000
2,50,000
Chennai
80,000
2,50,000
Coimbatore
80,000
2,50,000
Dehradun
60,000
2,00,000
Delhi
80,000
2,50,000
Dhanbad
50,000
1,80,000
Durgapur
50,000
1,80,000
Faridabad
80,000
2,50,000
Ghaziabad
80,000
2,50,000
Gorakhpur
50,000
1,80,000
Guntur
60,000
2,00,000
Gurgaon
80,000
2,50,000
Guwahati
60,000
2,00,000
Gwalior
50,000
1,80,000
Hyderabad
80,000
2,50,000
Indore
60,000
2,00,000
Jabalpur
50,000
1,80,000
Jaipur
80,000
2,50,000
Jalandhar
60,000
2,00,000
Jamshedpur
60,000
2,00,000
Jodhpur
50,000
1,80,000
Kanpur
50,000
1,80,000
Kochi
80,000
2,50,000
Kolkata
80,000
2,50,000
Kollam
60,000
2,00,000
Lucknow
60,000
2,00,000
Ludhiana
80,000
2,50,000
Madurai
60,000
2,00,000
Mangalore
60,000
2,00,000
Meerut
50,000
1,80,000
Moradabad
50,000
1,80,000
Mumbai
80,000
2,50,000
Mysore
80,000
2,50,000
Nagpur
60,000
2,00,000
Nashik
60,000
2,00,000
Navi Mumbai
80,000
2,50,000
Noida
80,000
2,50,000
Patna
50,000
1,80,000
Pune
80,000
2,50,000
Raipur
60,000
2,00,000
Rajkot
60,000
2,00,000
Ranchi
50,000
1,80,000
Surat
80,000
2,50,000
Thane
80,000
2,50,000
Vadodara
60,000
2,00,000
Varanasi
50,000
1,80,000
Visakhapatnam
60,000
2,00,000

Disclaimer

This information is sourced from open platforms and is for general awareness only. Costs may vary based on individual cases. Please consult a qualified doctor for medical advice and explore options within your budget before deciding on the procedure.

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