The retina is a thin piece of tissue that lines the back of the eye and helps detect light within a person's field of vision. Retinal detachment is typically the result of small tears throughout the retina, which cause this thin membrane to pull away from the back of a person's eye. Vision alterations that arise due to retinal detachment can be resolved through surgery. Patients should discuss the potential complications associated with retinal detachment surgery with a doctor before choosing this form of treatment.
Retinal Redetachment
After undergoing retinal detachment surgery, certain patients can experience redetachment of the retina as a complication of this procedure, explain health professionals with MedlinePlus. Retinal redetachment can cause symptoms such as blurred vision or floaters in the eye. Affected patients may notice flashes of light or unusual shadows within their field of vision. Patients who experience retinal redetachment typically require additional surgery to resolve vision symptoms.
Eye Infection
A severe eye infection called endophthalmitis can occur as a complication associated with retinal detachment surgery, report medical professionals with Aurora Health Care. Endophthalmitis eye infection symptoms can include redness, eye pain or blurred or decreased vision within the affected eye. Though antibiotic or anti-inflammatory treatment can help resolve some of these eye infection symptoms, vision complications may be permanent, warn Kellogg Eye Center medical experts.
Increased Eye Pressure
Another complication associated with retinal detachment surgery is an increase in eye pressure, or elevated intraocular pressure, according to University of Maryland Medical Center health professionals. Elevated eye pressure typically causes no noticeable symptoms, but can increase a patient's risk of developing glaucoma later in life. Glaucoma is a severe eye disease that can cause blindness due to optic nerve damage.
Retinal Contraction or Scarring
Retinal detachment surgery is associated with a rare complication called proliferative vitreoretinopathy, warn Aurora Health Care medical professionals. Patients who develop this complication can experience unusual retinal contraction or scarring, which may require surgery. Retinal scarring can cause permanent vision loss or distortion within the affected eye.
