Although a certain amount of healthy tissue is destroyed, this technique usually stops further growth of abnormal cells and preserves the macula, saving valuable straight-ahead and color vision. If the vitreous has become too clouded with blood to clear on its own, a procedure called a vitrectomy may be recommended. In this technique, the vitreous is drained and replaced with a clear, artificial solution. Retinal Detachment Retinal detachment occurs when the transparent layer of the retina separates from the pigment layer. As the cones and rods contained in the transparent layer are lifted away, vision becomes darkened and distorted.
Complete detachment leads to complete loss of vision.
Reattachment surgery is done under general anesthesia. First, retinal breaks will be located and frozen using cryotherapy. Next, the vitreous fluid is drained from behind the transparent layer. Finally, a silicon band is wrapped around the eye to indent it and push the transparent and pigment layers back into contact with each other. The scar tissue, which forms in the frozen areas, reattaches the layers.