About the service
At the Western Eye Hospital, our eye surgeons have extensive experience in managing complex retinal conditions including detachment, which can require surgery.
About this procedure
Retinal detachment surgery is a procedure to gently reattach the retina to the back of the eye to protect your eyesight. Surgery is carefully planned based on your individual condition and the type of detachment you have.
Your treatment will be led by an experienced consultant ophthalmologist with expertise in retinal and vitreoretinal surgery, supported by specialist nurses and technicians at the Western Eye Hospital.
Who might need retinal detachment surgery?
You may need retinal detachment surgery if the retina at the back of your eye has become partially or fully detached. Surgery is usually recommended to reattach the retina and prevent further, potentially permanent, loss of vision.
People who may need retinal detachment surgery include those who experience symptoms such as:
- flashing lights in one or both eyes
- an increase in floaters (small dots or lines moving across your vision)
- blurred or reduced vision
- a dark shadow or “curtain” spreading across your field of vision
These symptoms can appear suddenly and should always be assessed urgently.
Retinal detachment surgery may also be needed if:
- a retinal tear has progressed to a detachment
- fluid has collected underneath the retina, causing it to lift away from the back of the eye
- other eye conditions, such as diabetic eye disease or retinal scarring, have led to a detachment
If a retinal detachment is not treated promptly, it can lead to permanent loss of sight. Surgery is therefore usually advised to protect your vision.
What to expect during the procedure?
Retinal detachment surgery is most commonly carried out under local anaesthetic, which numbs the eye and surrounding area. This means you will be awake but comfortable during the procedure and sedation may be offered to help you relax. In some cases, a general anaesthetic may be recommended, depending on your individual circumstances and the type of surgery planned, but your consultant will discuss the best option for you in advance.
There are different surgical techniques used to repair a retinal detachment, and your surgeon will choose the most appropriate approach based on your eye condition. The aim of surgery is always to gently reattach the retina and support it while it heals.
During surgery, your eye surgeon may:
- remove the vitreous gel from inside the eye
- repair any tears or holes in the retina
- place a small gas or silicone oil bubble inside the eye to hold the retina in position as it heals
The operation usually takes around one to two hours, depending on the complexity of the detachment.
There are other techniques for repairing retinal detachments, and your surgeon will discuss the most suitable approach with you. For example, pneumatic retinopexy is a minimally invasive, outpatient procedure used to repair retinal detachment.
After the procedure
After the procedure, your eye will be covered with a protective dressing. Your vision may be very blurred at first, particularly if a gas or oil bubble has been used, but this is normal and will improve gradually over time as your eye heals.
Most retinal detachment surgery is performed as a day procedure, meaning you will usually be able to go home the same day with clear instructions on caring for your eye.
Why choose us?
You will benefit from specialist expertise, advanced facilities and personalised care at the Western Eye Hospital. As a dedicated ophthalmology hospital and teaching centre, the hospital has a long‑standing reputation for managing both routine and complex eye conditions, including retinal detachments.
Your care will be led by an experienced consultant ophthalmologist with expertise in retinal and vitreoretinal surgery. Our consultants regularly treat complex retinal conditions and provide personalised assessments and treatment plans tailored to your individual needs.
We use state‑of‑the‑art diagnostic equipment, including advanced retinal imaging, to assess and plan your treatment with accuracy. Surgery is performed in dedicated ophthalmic theatres equipped for both routine and highly complex eye procedures.
As part of Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, the Western Eye Hospital offers access to highly skilled multidisciplinary teams. This means your eye care can be supported by related specialist expertise, for example in diabetes or trauma, if needed.
Find out more about retinal detachment surgery
If you are considering retinal detachment surgery, our expert team can guide you through the process and make sure you feel confident about your decision.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule a consultation to find out more, please contact us:
- Call: +44 (0) 20 3311 7700
- Email: imperial.private.healthcare@nhs.net
