Best Retinal Detachment Doctors in Kolkata

Retinal detachment is an eye condition where the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye detaches from its normal position. Its potential causes span from natural ageing, shrinking vitreous (eye's gel-like substance) that tugs at the retina to eye injuries causing retinal tears. People with high degrees of myopia (nearsightedness) or those who have undergone eye surgeries, notably, cataract procedures, are also more prone to suffering from retinal detachment. Certain eye diseases such as diabetic retinopathy, lattice degeneration, and retinoschisis can cause this condition, and individuals with a family history of retinal detachment are at a higher risk.

In Kolkata, many residents face this vision-threatening condition. Apollo Hospitals houses some of India's best retinal detachment treatment doctors. These expert retinal detachment doctors and specialists are adept at diagnosing and treating this condition.

Types/Stages of Retinal Detachment

Retinal detachment is categorised into three main types:

• Rhegmatogenous: This is the most common variety, caused by a tear or hole in the retina that allows fluid to seep behind the retina, detaching it from the back of the eye.

• Tractional: Often seen in people with diabetic retinopathy, tractional detachment is caused by scar tissue on the retina that contracts and pulls it away from the eye's back.

• Exudative: This type is characterised by fluid leakage into the space behind the retina due to injuries or inflammation without any apparent retinal tears or breaks.

Symptoms of Retinal Detachment

People experiencing retinal detachment typically encounter the following symptoms:

• An abrupt increase in floaters and flashes of light in the affected eye

• The onset of blurred or reduced vision, starting in the peripheral vision

• A curtain-like shadow or blind spot appearing in their visual field

Tests to Diagnose Retinal Detachment

Several diagnostic tests are used by surgeons to identify retinal detachment:

• Ophthalmoscopy: The doctor uses a bright light and special lenses to examine the retina for tears, holes, or detachment.

• Ultrasound imaging: Used when bleeding in the eye obscures clear visibility of the retina.

• Amsler grid: Patients use this grid of horizontal and vertical lines to detect any distortion or wavy appearance, indicating retinal detachment.

Treatment or Surgery Options for Retinal Detachment at Apollo Hospitals in Kolkata:

Retinal detachment surgeons at Apollo Hospitals, Kolkata utilise various surgical approaches to treat the ailment, including:

• Laser surgery (photocoagulation): The surgeon uses a laser to create burns around a retinal tear, sealing the retina back into place.

• Freezing treatment (cryopexy): A freezing probe is applied over the retinal tear, creating a scar that secures the retina.

• Pneumatic retinopexy: The surgeon injects a gas bubble into the eye, pushing the retina back into its normal position.

• Scleral buckling surgery: An indent is created in the white of the eye to relieve traction on the retina and allow it to reattach.

• Vitrectomy: The vitreous gel from the eye is removed, followed by fluid drainage, gas or silicone oil injection, and other procedures to reattach the retina.