What Does a Retina Surgeon Do, And When Should You See One?

It’s natural to visit an ophthalmologist when you have concerns about your vision, but not all eye doctors specialize in the same areas. Retina surgeons are ophthalmologists who undergo additional, advanced fellowship training to diagnose, manage, and surgically treat conditions affecting the retina, macula, and vitreous.

While comprehensive ophthalmologists provide general eye care and treat conditions like cataracts and glaucoma, retina specialists focus on diseases that affect the back of the eye and often require complex, sight-saving interventions. Understanding the difference can help you seek the right level of care, especially when early treatment is critical to preserving your vision.

Retinal Conditions That May Require Surgery

In many cases, retinal conditions can be managed with medications, lifestyle changes, intravitreal injections, or by controlling underlying health issues. However, some conditions may require surgical intervention, including:

• Retinal tears and detachments: A retinal tear is a small break in the retina that can lead to a detachment, where the retina pulls away from its normal position. Both of these conditions are serious and often require prompt surgery.
• Macular holes: A macular hole is a small break in the macula (the part of the retina responsible for sharp central vision) that can cause blurry or distorted vision.
• Advanced diabetic retinopathy: In later stages, abnormal or leaking blood vessels may lead to scarring or retinal detachment, requiring surgical repair.
• Epiretinal membrane: A thin layer of scar tissue that forms on the retina’s surface; if vision becomes distorted or blurry, surgery may be recommended.
• Retinal vascular occlusions: Blockages that restrict blood flow to the retina; surgery may be necessary depending on the type and severity of the occlusion.

Types of Retinal Surgeries

The type of retinal surgery a patient needs depends on the specific retinal condition and its severity. Common retinal surgeries include scleral buckle, vitrectomy, and laser photocoagulation.

Scleral Buckle

Scleral buckling is a surgical procedure used to treat retinal detachment, a medical emergency that requires prompt attention. During the procedure, the surgeon attaches a small piece of silicone to the sclera (the white part of the eye). This "buckle" gently indents the eye’s surface, helping to push the detached retina back into place so it can reattach properly.

Vitrectomy

A vitrectomy is a surgical procedure used to treat problems affecting the retina and vitreous — the gel-like substance that fills the center of the eye. During the procedure, the retina surgeon removes some or all of the vitreous to access the retina and address issues such as retinal tears, scar tissue, bleeding, retinal detachment, or a foreign object.

The removed vitreous is replaced with a saline solution, gas bubble, or silicone oil. Over time, the eye naturally replaces the solution or gas bubble with aqueous humor, the fluid it normally produces. If silicone oil is used, a second surgery will be required to remove the oil when the retina has healed.

Laser Photocoagulation

Laser photocoagulation is a procedure in which a retina surgeon uses a laser to seal leaking blood vessels, destroy abnormal tissue, or create scar tissue to help stabilize the retina. This treatment is commonly used to manage diabetic retinopathy, retinal tears, retinal vascular occlusions, and some cases of retinal detachment.

Schedule a Consultation with a Retina Surgeon

Not all eye conditions require surgery, but when they do, it’s important to work with a highly trained retina specialist who can provide expert care. At Retinal Consultants Medical Group, our retina surgeons perform advanced procedures to treat a wide range of retinal conditions, from macular holes to retinal detachments.

If you’ve been diagnosed with a retinal issue or are experiencing changes in your vision that may require specialized care, contact us today to schedule a consultation at one of our convenient Northern California locations, including Chico, Sacramento, Stockton, Modesto, and more.