Retinal Detachment Surgery

Retinal detachments are a potentially sight threatening condition that often requires urgent surgery or laser.

Patients describe noticing flashes and floaters or a curtain like shadow coming across their vision.

The risk of getting a retinal detachment is about 1 in 10,000 but this risk is about 5 times greater for people who are short-sighted (myopic).

There are several methods of surgery to treat retinal detachments and your ophthalmologist will discuss the most appropriate option at your clinic appointment.

It is imperative that you get your eyes assessed urgently if you believe you may have symptoms suggestive of a retinal detachment.

What to expect when considering retinal detachment surgery:

  • Surgery time is likely to be between 60-90 minutes
  • It is a day hospital procedure
  • Recovery/time off work is between 4-8 weeks
  • You will be reasonably mobile after 1 day
  • Exercise limitations to be practiced for 4-8 weeks
  • Avoid driving for 2-8 weeks
  • Pat dry, and keep out for a direct shower for 3 days

Book free laser appointment

To understand your best laser options we provide either a tele-consultation or in-house appointment free of charge. Provided by a skilled refractive counsellor from ParkView Day Surgery, our affiliated day surgery facility, during this appointment we are able to refine what your personal eye solution is, and provide you an opportunity to ask any questions you may have.

Are you suitable for eye laser surgery?

Not all people are suitable for laser surgery and a thorough examination with an Ophthalmologist is necessary to determine suitability, however, there are some general guidelines and questions which can provide an initial indication of suitability. Take the suitability test and take your first step to a clearer brighter future.

Your questions answered here

We understand that having eye laser surgery is an important decision and that you may have questions about the procedure, your immediate recovery and what you can expect in the days, weeks and months after surgery. We have answered as many as we can here.