If you were planning on cataract surgery only to discover that your cataract surgeon has referred you to a retina specialist for a retina exam before the cataract surgery, you are not alone. This is sometimes recommended to rule out any preexisting abnormalities, such as previous retina tears or detachment or even if you have been diagnosed with myopia, known as nearsightedness. High myopia, when the eye is longer than normal, increases the risk of retinal complications. Some patients have been referred for retina exams due to dense cataracts making visualization of the retina difficult. These retina exams are important to ensure your eye care surgery is being met to provide the best outcomes and maintain good eye health. You have had your exams, and now the retina specialist tells you that you need retina surgery. What now?

Retina surgery is most often needed to provide care for conditions that affect the back of the eye. This includes retina tears, detachment, and diabetic retinopathy.

For now, let’s focus on two common retinal surgeries- Vitrectomy and Scleral Buckle.

The vitrectomy procedure involves removing the clear jelly-like vitreous gel that normally fills the eye. This gel is replaced with air, gas a silicon solution or a saline solution. Your retina specialist will make that determination. Once the gel is removed, the retina specialist will have better access and proceed to repair your retina. Keep in mind that if silicone was injected, it will need to be removed in an additional procedure in about three months.

A scleral buckle procedure is one in which the retina specialist places a band around the eye. This treatment can be used to treat retinal detachments since the band repositions the affected retina back so that it is in contact with the wall of your eye. Sometimes, both a vitrectomy and a scleral buckle are performed, depending on the needs of the patient.

After your retina surgery, you may experience some blurry vision, with continued flashes and floaters for several weeks. Keep in mind that recovery is different for every patient. While recovery is usually about 2-3 weeks for retina surgery, for some, it may take months or even years before full vision is achieved.

To get yourself on the road to recovery after retina surgery, it is important for you to follow your post-operative guidelines given to you by your retina specialist. Some standard post operative guidelines include: administering eye drops for three weeks, managing a downward head position, and avoiding strenuous activities for one week. Keep in mind your retina specialist may determine other needed post-operative guidelines for you as well.



Remember, for surgical procedures, timing is everything. Your surgeon may recommend waiting at least three to six months or longer before scheduling cataract surgery. This amount of time will allow the retina to fully heal and if you had a retinal detachment repair, reduce the risk of another detachment. Sometimes, cataract surgery and silicone removal is done at the same time, particularly is the oil is no longer needed and your lenses are very clouded, affecting your overall vision. Once again, follow your surgeon’s advice to determine the best approach for you.