The following are the current procedures to treat retinal detachment:
Some considerations....
These procedures, or surgeries, are 80-90% successful(12). In some cases, a second procedure may be required or the condition cannot be fixed[2]. If the retinal detachment cannot be fixed, the risk of vision loss will be increased.
After surgical procedures, such as scleral buckle surgery and vitrectomy, the vision can take months to improve or may not fully return, depending on the extent of the damage to the retina(12). |
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Nursing Management
Prior to the procedure...
- Patient-teaching is required to help the patient anticipate what will happen during the procedure. Answer any questions that the patient may have to help decrease anxiety.
- Educate the patient that the anaesthetic eye drops will cause the vision to be blurry for a few hours after the procedure[2]. Inform the patient that he/she should not drive for a few hours after the eye drops have been administered.
- Make arrangements for recovery and for the next appointment. Ensure that the patient has made arrangements to go home safely.
Discharge teaching...
- Recovery can take up to 10 days for laser therapy and cryotherapy(12, 13)
- Recovery can take up to months after a scleral buckle surgery or vitrectomy(12).
- The patient must be supported with pain management, such as rest and pharmacological therapies (ie: Tylenol) (12, 13)
- In procedures in which a gas bubble or oil is inserted into the eye, the patient is required to keep the head in certain positions to keep the pressure bubble pressed against the sight of detachment (12, 14). The patient is also restricted from travelling at high altitudes to prevent an increase in intraocular (eye) pressure (12).
- In vitrectomies in which silicone oil is inserted, the patient will need a re-vitrectomy to remove the oil (12).