The most important factor predicting final eyesight is the vision immediately before surgery. If the vision is initially good, successful surgery generally yields good sight. However, if the central vision is poor pre-operatively, final vision is often decreased even with successful retinal reattachment. Patients usually need to have their glasses changed several months after retinal reattachment surgery, particularly following scleral buckling . Final vision may also be decreased by the later development of a cataract, which often follows vitrectomy surgery.
Cataract surgery is often successful in restoring vision in such cases.