Risks Of Retinal Surgery

Retinal surgery, like any medical procedure, carries certain risks and potential complications. As retina specialists, it is a priority to always educate our patients about the risks associated with retinal surgery. The specific risks and complications can vary depending on the type of surgery and your individual health status, but some common risks associated with retinal surgery include:

• Development of retinal tears or detachments during or after surgery
• Inability to repair the retina
• Proliferative vitreoretinopathy – a condition whereby significant scarring develops as the eye tries to repair itself
• Need for additional surgeries or procedures
• Cataract
• Double vision
• No improvement in vision despite improvement of condition
• Droopy eyelid
• Increased intraocular pressure
• Change in spectacle/contact lens correction
• Change in the size or shape of the pupil
• Vitreous hemorrhage – bleeding in the eye during or after the surgery
• Endophthalmitis – a serious infection in the eye that could result in loss of vision or the eye (rare)
• Loss of vision (rare)
• Loss of the eye (very rare)
• Death (extremely rare)

Postoperative Care

After your retinal surgery, it is crucial to follow your surgeon’s postoperative care instructions carefully, attend all follow-up appointments, and promptly report any unusual symptoms or changes in your vision. In many cases, retinal surgery is performed to address serious eye conditions that would result in vision loss without intervention, so the potential benefits often outweigh the risks. Your surgeon will assess the risks and benefits of the specific surgery you need and provide personalized recommendations based on your unique situation.