Retinal Detachment
A small hole or tear in the retina left untreated runs the risk of retinal detachment. A retinal detachment is a peeling away of the retina from the wall of the eye with resulting loss of vision. Retinal detachment can be repaired and is usually quite successful. However, this can involve significant surgery and it is better if it can be prevented.
How is it treated?
This is treated with laser cryopexy pneumatic retinopexy or vitrectomy and scleralbuckle.
Retinal Cryopexy
Dr. Patodia uses a probe that is chilled to -80 degrees Celsius. After administering a small amount of local anaesthetic to the white, external surface of the eye, the probe is applied to the outside wall or white of the eye and a spot weld around the tear is fashioned to secure the tear in place. This prevents an enlargement of the tear or detachment of the retina in a vast majority of cases.
After treatment, patients will be given a prescription for antibiotic drops, to be used four times a day for four days.