The patient can then go directly home with minimal restrictions. Once the retina is detached and there is fluid between the retina and the back wall of the eye, laser treatment would not seal the tear. One can not unite two things with glue if they are not held together until the glue sets. Only in this way can the sealing of the tear in the retina succeed. This procedure is often successful but it involves many hours of complex surgery with days of incapacitation in the hospital.
Some patients require additional complex surgery on the vitreous fluid, a vitrectomy.
This is even more delicate surgery. Laser treatment for retinal detachment can only be effective if the retina is still in contact with the back of the eye. Otherwise a much more serious operation must be performed. Therefore early diagnosis of the torn retina is essential. The signs of a retinal tear should be common knowledge so that patients can know when to seek timely and effective care.