Patients who may require retinal surgery include those with retinal detachment, severe diabetic retinopathy, macular holes, epiretinal membranes, or vitreous hemorrhage. Main retinal surgery techniques include vitrectomy, which removes cloudy or blood-filled vitreous gel while repairing the retina using laser treatment, gas injection, or silicone oil; another method is scleral buckling, which supports the retina externally to help it reattach to the eye wall. Technologies used in retinal surgery include micro-surgical instruments, surgical microscopes, intraocular laser systems, silicone oil or gas tamponade, and OCT imaging to assess retinal damage in detail. Retinal surgery is a complex and important treatment for patients with severe eye conditions such as retinal tears, detachment, or advanced retinal degeneration. Without timely treatment, these conditions may lead to permanent vision loss. Understanding surgical procedures, technologies used, and treatment indications can help reduce anxiety and allow patients and families to prepare physically and emotionally. Strict adherence to pre- and post-operative instructions also improves recovery outcomes and reduces the risk of complications.     Who Needs Retinal Surgery? Retinal surgery is considered when retinal damage becomes severe and cannot be effectively treated with other methods. Conditions requiring surgery include:   Retinal Detachment Retinal detachment is an ophthalmic emergency where the retina separates from underlying tissue, disrupting visual function. Without prompt treatment, permanent vision loss may occur. Symptoms include flashes of light, floaters, a dark curtain over part of vision, or blurred sight. Early diagnosis and surgical treatment by an ophthalmologist are essential.   Macular Degeneration Macular degeneration, especially wet AMD, involves abnormal blood vessel growth beneath the retina. These fragile vessels may leak blood or fluid, causing central vision distortion, blurring, or dark spots.   The disease can progress rapidly. Treatments such as anti-VEGF injections, laser therapy, or retinal surgery may slow progression and preserve vision.   Diabetic Retinopathy Diabetic retinopathy results from chronic high blood sugar damaging retinal blood vessels, leading to leakage, swelling, or bleeding. This causes blurred vision and, if untreated, permanent vision loss.   Treatment includes blood sugar control, laser therapy, intraocular injections, or retinal surgery depending on severity. Regular eye exams are essential for early detection.   Macular Hole A macular hole is a small defect in the central retina responsible for detailed vision. It may cause distorted central vision while peripheral vision remains normal.   Common causes include aging, vitreous traction, or eye injury. Surgery is often required to close the hole and improve vision.   Epiretinal Membrane Epiretinal membrane is a thin scar tissue layer on the retinal surface, often affecting the macula. It can distort vision, causing curved lines or double vision.   Mild cases may not require treatment, but severe cases affecting daily life may require surgical removal.   Vitreous Hemorrhage Vitreous hemorrhage occurs when blood leaks into the vitreous gel, causing hazy or dark vision. Severe cases may significantly impair vision.   Common causes include diabetic retinopathy, retinal tears, trauma, or abnormal retinal vessels. Treatment ranges from observation to laser therapy or vitrectomy surgery.     Preparing for Retinal Surgery Proper preparation helps reduce complications and supports faster recovery.   Consult your ophthalmologist thoroughly and disclose medical history, medications, and chronic conditions. Preoperative tests may include blood tests or ECG. Inform your doctor about all medications. Some drugs affecting blood clotting may need temporary discontinuation. Fasting for at least 6–8 hours before surgery is typically recommended. Arrange transportation and a caregiver for post-operative support due to temporary blurred vision. Retinal Surgery Procedures Retinal surgery involves various techniques depending on disease type and severity.   Vitrectomy This procedure uses very fine instruments inserted through small incisions in the white of the eye. The surgeon removes cloudy or blood-filled vitreous gel, treats underlying retinal conditions with laser therapy, and may inject gas or silicone oil to help reattach the retina. Dissolvable sutures close the incisions.   Scleral Buckling This technique places a silicone band or sponge on the outer eye wall to support retinal reattachment. It is commonly used for retinal detachment caused by tears.   The material typically remains permanently without complications. Some patients may require fluid drainage beneath the retina. Temporary redness or blurred vision may occur initially.     Technology Used in Retinal Surgery Modern retinal surgery combines surgical skill with advanced medical technology for improved safety and precision.   Micro-instruments: Extremely small surgical tools minimize incision size and speed recovery. Surgical microscope: Provides magnified visualization of delicate retinal structures. Endolaser: Treats abnormal vessels or seals retinal tears internally. Silicone oil or gas: Helps press the retina back into position during healing. OCT imaging: Provides detailed retinal scans before and after surgery. Postoperative Care Guidelines Proper self-care after surgery improves recovery and reduces complications.   If gas or silicone oil is injected, patients may need specific positioning such as face-down or side-lying. Use prescribed eye drops exactly as directed. Avoid water exposure to the eye during the first week and refrain from rubbing the eye. Avoid air travel if gas is present due to pressure changes. Avoid heavy lifting, strenuous activity, and contact sports. Rest adequately and limit intensive visual tasks. Expected Results and Recovery Time Retinal surgery helps correct abnormalities and prevent future vision loss. Outcomes depend on disease severity. Some patients see improvement quickly, while others may take months. Typical recovery lasts about 1–2 weeks, with activity restrictions during healing.   Cost of Retinal Surgery Costs vary based on surgical technique, technology, and individual treatment needs. Fees typically include surgeon costs, operating room charges, medications, and intraocular lens expenses if required.   Retinal Surgery Technology at Bangkok Eye Hospital Bangkok Eye Hospital utilizes advanced PPV (Pars Plana Vitrectomy) technology with the Constellation Vision System, internationally recognized for treating complex retinal conditions such as detachment, diabetic retinopathy, and macular disorders.   The ULTRAVIT® vitrectomy cutter operates at extremely high speeds, allowing gentle vitreous removal with minimal retinal traction. Intelligent intraocular pressure control maintains stable eye pressure throughout surgery, reducing complication risks.   High-resolution Xenon illumination enhances visualization of delicate retinal tissue, while PurePoint® endolaser technology precisely treats tears or abnormal vessels. These integrated technologies allow comprehensive retinal repair in a single procedure.   Small-gauge surgery results in tiny self-sealing incisions, minimizing irritation and accelerating recovery. Postoperative positioning may still be necessary if gas or silicone oil is used.   Why Choose Retinal Surgery at Bangkok Eye Hospital? Bangkok Eye Hospital provides comprehensive retinal surgery services using advanced technology and experienced specialists from the Retina Center. Patients receive:   Comprehensive eye examinations for precise treatment planning. Advanced technologies such as micro-surgery tools, laser therapy, and OCT imaging. Close postoperative monitoring and rehabilitation support. Personalized treatment advice tailored to lifestyle and eye condition. Comfortable care throughout surgery and recovery. Summary Retinal surgery is essential for conditions such as retinal detachment, macular holes, or diabetic retinopathy. Modern techniques including vitrectomy and scleral buckling, supported by advanced technology, enhance safety and treatment outcomes. Patients should follow preoperative instructions, arrange post-surgical care, and attend follow-up appointments. Recovery typically takes 1–2 weeks depending on severity. Consult Bangkok Eye Hospital for comprehensive retinal care.   Related Articles What Causes Retinal Holes? Symptoms and Treatment Options Signs of Retinal Swelling You Should Not Ignore Diabetic Retinopathy Symptoms and Prevention Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Common questions about retinal surgery to help patients prepare confidently.   What symptoms occur after retinal surgery? Temporary blurred vision, mild irritation, tearing, floaters, or flashes may occur. Severe pain or worsening vision should be reported immediately.   How long is hospitalization required? Typically 1–2 days depending on surgical complexity and patient condition.   Why must patients lie face-down after surgery? Face-down positioning helps gas or silicone oil support retinal reattachment, improving healing and visual outcomes.

Retinal laser treatment uses a laser beam directed at abnormal areas of the retina to prevent detachment, tears, or retinal damage while helping preserve visual performance. Retinal laser therapy helps treat abnormal blood vessels caused by diabetic retinopathy, retinal tears or holes, macular edema, and retinal vascular occlusions to prevent permanent vision loss. The advantages of retinal laser treatment include safety, quick results, no major surgery, no hospitalization required, and effective prevention of vision loss. Laser treatment for retinal diseases represents an important medical advancement, especially for patients facing vision-threatening conditions. Retinal laser technology acts as a precise tool that helps repair and protect the retina from potential damage, preserving remaining vision from further deterioration. If you are considering this treatment, understanding the procedure, benefits, and safety aspects will help you make a confident decision.   What Is Retinal Laser Treatment? Retinal laser treatment involves directing a concentrated laser beam to specific areas of the retina. The laser energy creates a controlled coagulation of tissue, helping stop damage and prevent disease progression. It also forms small scars on the retinal surface to reduce abnormal blood vessel growth. This makes it an important treatment option for conditions such as retinal bleeding or vascular blockage, particularly in diabetic retinopathy patients.   What Conditions Can Retinal Laser Treat? Retinal laser therapy is used to treat various retinal diseases and abnormalities that commonly affect vision, including:   Diabetic Retinopathy Complications from diabetes can cause abnormal retinal blood vessels, leading to fragile new vessel growth or swelling in the macula (macular edema). Partial retinal laser treatment helps seal leaking vessels and inhibit abnormal vessel growth, reducing swelling and preventing retinal bleeding.   Retinal Tears or Holes When the retina develops a tear, fluid from the vitreous may seep underneath, leading to retinal holes or detachment, which can result in permanent blindness if untreated. Retinal laser therapy acts like welding, sealing the edges of the tear to underlying tissue to prevent fluid leakage and protect vision.   Retinal Vein Occlusion When retinal veins become blocked, blood and fluid may leak into the retina, causing swelling and blurred vision. Retinal laser treatment helps reduce swelling, minimize fluid leakage, and prevent permanent retinal damage, improving vision clarity and lowering the risk of vision loss.   Retinal Laser Treatment Procedure Many patients may worry about pain or risks, but retinal laser treatment is generally safe, takes about 10–20 minutes per session, and does not require hospitalization. The procedure typically includes:   An ophthalmologist performs a detailed eye examination and may dilate the pupils for better visibility. Local anesthetic drops are applied, and a special contact lens is placed on the eye to clearly visualize the retina. The patient sits comfortably while the doctor uses a laser device attached to a microscope to carefully direct laser light to targeted retinal areas. Patients may see brief flashes of light or feel slight pricking sensations, but significant pain is uncommon. After treatment, temporary blurred vision may occur due to pupil dilation. Patients are advised to have someone accompany them home as vision may still be unclear. Advantages of Retinal Laser Treatment Retinal laser therapy effectively addresses retinal problems with precision, safety, and rapid results, offering both confidence and convenience. Key advantages include:   Modern laser technology provides high precision, allowing doctors to control laser position and energy accurately without damaging surrounding tissue. Non-invasive treatment without major surgery or incisions results in lower risks and shorter recovery time. A proven standard method effective in preventing vision loss in many retinal conditions. Timely laser treatment helps reduce the risk of disease progression that could otherwise require more complex surgery. Post-Treatment Care After Retinal Laser Proper self-care after retinal laser treatment is important for vision recovery and preventing complications. Patients should follow their doctor’s instructions carefully for optimal results.   Rest your eyes and avoid prolonged screen use or reading immediately after treatment. Use prescribed eye drops or anti-inflammatory medications exactly as directed. Seek medical attention if severe eye pain, redness, floaters, flashing lights, or swelling occurs. Avoid heavy lifting, strenuous activity, or sports that may impact the eyes initially. Attend follow-up appointments to monitor recovery and treatment effectiveness. Recovery Period and Expected Results During the first 1–2 days after retinal laser treatment, patients may experience mild blurred vision, light flashes, or slight redness due to dilating drops. These symptoms usually resolve gradually. Long-term, the main goal is preserving remaining vision and preventing further damage. Vision improvement may take weeks or months depending on the condition treated.   Cost of Retinal Laser Treatment The cost of retinal laser treatment varies depending on the disease type, severity, number of sessions, and equipment used. Typically, costs include physician fees, equipment, and medications.   Types of Lasers Used for Retinal Treatment To better understand treatment effectiveness at Bangkok Eye Hospital, retinal laser types can be categorized as follows:   1. Argon Laser / Green Laser (Photocoagulation) This widely used laser emits green light with strong thermal energy. Doctors use it to create tiny burns on the retina to seal tears or perform pan-retinal photocoagulation (PRP) for diabetic retinopathy to inhibit abnormal vessel growth.   2. Micropulse Laser (Sub-threshold Laser) This modern laser technology delivers energy in short pulses, allowing treatment without damaging surrounding tissue or leaving visible scars. It is commonly used for macular edema or subretinal fluid conditions by stimulating retinal cells to function normally.   3. Endolaser (Integrated with Constellation) This laser is used during surgery through a Constellation system. Heat from the probe tip is precisely directed to the treatment site. It is suitable for complex retinal detachment cases or when vitreous hemorrhage prevents external laser treatment.   4. YAG Laser Although commonly used for glaucoma or posterior capsule opacification, ophthalmologists may occasionally use YAG lasers to manage specific ocular membranes or deposits affecting the retina.     Why Choose Retinal Laser Treatment at Bangkok Eye Hospital Retina Center? Retinal laser treatment provides targeted, effective care to prevent retinal damage and stabilize vision. Bangkok Eye Hospital is committed to advanced technology and specialist ophthalmologists from the Retina Center to care for your vision. Services include:   Comprehensive retinal examinations for accurate treatment planning. Precision laser therapy targeting specific retinal areas to prevent leakage and halt disease progression. Close monitoring of visual recovery with guidance to prevent complications. Summary Retinal laser treatment effectively addresses retinal diseases and abnormalities, preventing tears, detachment, and vision deterioration. It is safe, quick, and requires minimal recovery time. Common indications include diabetic retinopathy, retinal swelling, and retinal vein occlusion. The treatment seals leaking vessels and prevents further damage. Mild temporary blurred vision may occur, but hospitalization is not required. Each session usually lasts 10–20 minutes with close follow-up care available at Bangkok Eye Hospital.   Related Articles What Causes Retinal Holes? Symptoms, Treatment, and When to See a Doctor Retinal Tears and Detachment: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments Vitreous Degeneration: Causes, Risks, and Treatment Options Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) This section answers common questions about retinal laser treatment, expected outcomes, and post-treatment care.   What symptoms occur after retinal laser treatment? Patients may experience mild blurred vision, light flashes, or redness from dilating drops. These usually resolve within 1–2 days. Vision improvement may take several weeks depending on the retinal condition treated.   What are the side effects? Side effects are typically mild, including temporary blurred vision, eye irritation, glare, or redness. Severe complications are rare but may include increased floaters or retinal damage. Doctors provide close follow-up to minimize risks.   How many sessions are required? The number of sessions depends on the disease type, severity, and treatment area. Some patients need only one session, while others may require multiple treatments based on the ophthalmologist’s recommendation.