London Medical Ophthalmology

Retinal detachment

London Medical provides the most up-to-date procedures for patients – with clinics held by some of the UK’s most renowned specialists.

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State-of-the-art ophthalmology care to keep your eyes healthy and protect your vision

A detached retina is a serious eye condition that can put your eyesight at risk. The retina, the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye, separates from the underlying tissues. Without rapid treatment a retinal detachment can permanently affect your vision.

London Medical’s world-leading ophthalmologists are experts in the diagnosis and treatment of retinal detachment. Using the latest, cutting-edge equipment they can help protect your sight and safeguard your future wellbeing.

What is retinal detachment?

Retinal detachment is a condition in which the retina in the eye becomes loose and separate. The retina is the thin layer of nerve tissue that lines the back of the eye. It is light-sensitive and sends information to the brain, which is interpreted into the images you see.

The retina has a crucial role in vision. When part of the retina is detached your eyesight can become distorted, disturbed and blurry, this can be a particular problem if the highly sensitive macula in the centre of the retina is affected. At this worrying time, London Medical can provide expert ophthalmology care and a supportive, stress-free environment in which to recover.
What are the symptoms of retinal detachment?

The symptoms of retinal detachment can come on suddenly or build up over several hours or even weeks. It is important to get assessment within 24 hours. Contact London Medical, NHS 111 or your local Accident and Emergency if you’ve noticed:

Floating dots or lines suddenly appearing in your vision.
An increase in the number of ‘floaters’ that you can see.
Flashes of light in your vision.
A dark shadow or curtain spreading across your field of vision.
Deterioration in eyesight with vision being distorted or blurred.

Anyone who is worried about changes in their vision should seek specialist advice. London Medical offers a daily clinic with leading ophthalmologists and optometry care, so that you can quickly access expert opinion.

Diagnosis of retinal detachment at London Medical

London Medical is equipped with the latest technology for accurately diagnosing eye disease. The specialist will examine the back of the eye using an ophthalmoscope. They’ll also use a slit lamp, a special ophthalmic microscope with a bright light, to fully examine your eye as you look in different directions.

Drops are usually applied to open up the pupils and make it easier to inspect the retina. These can affect your vision for a short time, so it’s sensible to come with a friend or family member.

If your consultant suspects a detachment or a tear in the retina, they will arrange further investigations, such as an ultrasound scan. Your consultant will take time to discuss the results of your tests and develop a bespoke treatment plan. Prompt specialist treatment can prevent further damage to your eyes and protect your vision.

Treatment of retinal detachment at London Medical

London Medical is one of the capital’s leading centres for eye care. Your specialist will discuss the best treatment for your eyes, your health and your lifestyle. Most people need emergency surgery to reattach the retina and prevent damage to the macula, which is critical for central vision.

At London Medical, your retina specialist can diagnose and manage a retinal detachment and proceed with surgery if clinically indicated. Most retinal detachment surgery is performed under local anaesthetic, but a general anaesthetic may be needed. Your consultant will explain the options, always considering your thoughts and preferences. Surgery involves repairing tears using laser or cryotherapy, then ensuring the retina heals in the correct position using one of three surgical techniques:

Vitrectomy: A procedure in which clear gel from the back of your eye is removed and replaced with a bubble of gas. This bubble presses against the retina, holding it flat against the back of the eye as it heals. The gas slowly dissipates over six weeks.

Pneumatic retinopexy: For minor detachments a small gas bubble can be inserted without removing any vitreous gel. The bubble also works to press the retina into position before naturally disappearing.

Scleral buckle surgery: Your surgeon will attach a narrow synthetic band to the outside of your eye. This exerts pressure so that the retina and the back of the eye are in contact, helping reattachment.

Following surgery, London Medical’s expert team will provide individual advice and support your healthy recovery. As the local anaesthetic wears off, your eye may feel sore and gritty and uncomfortable. It’s normal to experience blurred vision in the early stages; however, this should settle and by six weeks you should feel fully recovered.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still drive after retinal detachment?

Retinal detachment can affect your eyesight and your ability to drive safely. If you’re worried it’s better not to drive until you’ve had a full assessment.

The consultants at London Medical will be able to provide individual advice about driving following surgery for retinal detachment. It’s important to follow their guidance, check your insurance cover and also to follow the laws for informing the DVLA about your treatment. These include:

If you’ve had detached retinas in both eyes you must tell the DVLA.
If you’ve had retinal detachment in one eye, you must tell the DVLA if you think it could affect your driving.
If you drive a bus, coach or lorry you must tell the DVLA if you’ve had any retinal surgery.

Can a detached retina heal on its own?

Only some retinal tears result in a retinal detachment, therefore some tears will go unnoticed. However, the symptoms related to vitreous separation including floaters and flashing lights should not be ignored. However, people affected get used to the visual changes. Eye floaters and flashes may settle even if the tear or retinal detachment is still there.

If you are concerned about your vision, it’s very important to seek expert professional help.

Who is at risk of a detached retina?

Anyone can get retinal detachment but some people are more at risk. You may be more vulnerable if you’re older; the condition can be caused by age-related changes to the vitreous jelly inside the eye. Most people who develop the condition are between sixty and seventy. Other risk factors include:

Short-sightedness
Having eye surgery, such as a cataract operation
Having eye trauma or injury
A family history of retinal detachment
A previous retinal detachment. The condition can recur so it’s important to get urgent assessment and advice if you notice symptoms again.

How is the recovery following surgery for a detached retina?

The recovery time will depend on the surgery and on your general health. Your team will provide individual guidance, but in general, you may notice blurred vision, eye soreness and redness for 2 to 6 weeks following the operation. You may be unable to drive or work during this time.

People who have had a gas bubble inserted will be unable to fly because of the change in pressure on an aeroplane. The good news is most people make an excellent recovery. Call the clinic if you have any concerns especially if the pain, redness or vision gets worse, you may need further treatment.

Summary and take home message:

An acute onset of floaters, flashing lights and/or any new shadow in the vision should not be ignored and calls for an urgent assessment by a retina specialist as it might indicate the presence of a retinal tear and/or retinal detachment. Retinal detachments may lead to marked loss of vision if left untreated, and early treatment carries a high success rate and prevents loss of vision. Patients who have long standing floaters and no recent changes in their symptoms should seek advice from their Optometrist or Ophthalmologist.

Our Consultants

Dr Jonathan Virgo

Dr Virgo is a consultant medical & neuro-ophthalmologist in the Medical Eye Unit (MEU) at Guy’s & St Thomas’ Hospitals NHS Trust (GSTT).

Mr Daren Hanumunthadu

Mr Hanumunthadu is a Consultant Ophthalmologist with a specialist interest in retinal diseases, inflammatory eye disease and cataract surgery.

Mr Jimmy Uddin

Ophthalmology: Oculoplastics, Orbital, Lacrimal

Mr Samir Jivanjee

Optometrist with a special interest in glaucoma, uveitis and a focus on specialist contact lens fittings.

Miss Anna Bhan

Consultant ophthalmic surgeon with specialist expertise in cataract and glaucoma surgery. Also deals with general ophthalmology and many other eye conditions.

Professor Michel Michaelides

Professor of Ophthalmology & consultant ophthalmic surgeon at UCL Institute of Ophthalmology and Moorfields Eye Hospital.

Professor David O’Brart

Consultant ophthalmic surgeon who specialises in refractive, corneal and cataract surgery, external eye disease and glaucoma.

Professor Adnan Tufail

One of the leading ophthalmic surgeons in the UK. He is the clinical and research lead at Moorfields Eye Hospital in London for age-related macular degeneration and has worked as a consultant here since 2002.

Mrs Samantha Mann

Consultant ophthalmologist specialising in medical retina, macular degeneration, retinal vein occlusions and diabetic eye disease including injection and laser treatments.

Mr Scott Robbie

Consultant ophthalmic surgeon specialising in cornea, cataract and refractive surgery.

Our Locations

London

London Medical is located in the Harley Street medical area. Together with top experts across a range of multi-disciplinary fields, we offer the finest facilities for your care, all under one roof.

London Medical, 49 Marylebone High Street, London W1U 5HJ

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+44 (0)800 0483 330

Email
info@londonmedical.co.uk

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