Have you been told you may need retina surgery, or are you worried about vision loss, floaters, or flashing lights? At New York Retina Center, Dr. Brandon Johnson, our board-certified retina specialist, provides surgical care to repair retinal detachment, macular holes, diabetic damage, and other complex eye conditions with precision and compassion.
Types of Retina Surgery Offered
Vitrectomy Surgery
(Pars Plana Vitrectomy)
Vitrectomy is one of the most common and versatile surgical procedures for the retina. It involves removing the vitreous gel, the clear, jelly-like substance that fills the eye, to access and repair the retina. During the surgery, Dr. Johnson may remove scar tissue, reattach the retina, or clear blood and debris that obscure vision. Vitrectomy is often used to treat retinal detachment, macular holes, vitreous hemorrhage, and complications from diabetic eye disease, allowing for precise restoration of the retina’s structure and function.
Scleral Buckle Surgery
Scleral buckle surgery is a proven and time-tested technique used primarily to treat retinal detachments. During this procedure, a soft silicone band is placed around the outside of the eye (the sclera) to push the wall of the eye toward the detached retina. This relieves traction and helps the retina reattach to the underlying tissue. Scleral buckle surgery is often combined with cryotherapy or laser treatment to seal retinal tears. It remains a reliable option, especially for certain retina detachment patterns.
Lens Exchange & Repositioning Surgery
Sometimes, retinal problems occur due to a dislocated or improperly positioned intraocular lens (IOL), often after cataract surgery or eye trauma. In these cases, Dr. Johnson may perform lens exchange or repositioning surgery. This procedure involves removing, adjusting, or securing the lens in the correct position to restore focus and stability within the eye. When necessary, it can be combined with vitrectomy for optimal visualization and repair, ensuring both the retina and lens are properly aligned for clear, stable vision.
Repair Retinal Damage and Preserve Eyesight
Retina surgery is a delicate, highly specialized procedure that aims to repair damage to the retina, the thin layer of light-sensitive tissue that lines the back of the eye. When the retina is torn, detached, or affected by diseases like diabetic retinopathy or macular holes, vision can deteriorate rapidly. Retina surgery aims to restore or preserve sight by reattaching the retina, removing scar tissue, or repairing damage to blood vessels. Dr. Johnson uses advanced microsurgical techniques to help protect and restore your vision.
Retina Surgery Can Treat These Symptoms:
- Sudden or progressive loss of central or peripheral vision
- Flashes of light or new onset of dark floaters
- Blurred, distorted, or wavy vision (metamorphopsia)
- A shadow or curtain across part of your visual field
- Vision loss from retinal detachment or tears
- Distorted or missing central vision from macular holes
- Bleeding or fluid leakage caused by diabetic retinopathy
When is Retina Surgery Indicated?
The retina is a thin, light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye responsible for capturing images and sending visual signals to the brain. When this delicate tissue becomes torn, detached, or damaged by disease, vision can decline rapidly. Retina surgery is indicated when structural repair or removal of abnormal tissue is required to prevent permanent vision loss.
You may need retina surgery if you have one or more of the following conditions:
- Retinal detachment or retinal tears
- Macular hole or epiretinal membrane
- Diabetic retinopathy with bleeding or traction
- Vitreous hemorrhage or scar tissue pulling on the retina
- Severe eye trauma affecting the retinal layer
- Complications after cataract surgery, such as retained lens fragments
Benefits of Retina Surgery:
- Restores or preserves vision threatened by retinal disease or detachment
- Prevents permanent vision loss when performed promptly
- Repairs retinal tears, holes, or detachment with high success rates
- Removes scar tissue or blood that obscures the visual field
- Stabilizes the retina for improved long-term eye health
- Allows treatment of complex diabetic or traumatic eye conditions
- Can be combined with cataract or lens procedures for complete vision correction
What is the Recovery Process After Retina Surgery?
Recovery after retina surgery varies depending on the type of procedure performed and the severity of your condition. It’s normal to experience mild discomfort, blurred vision, or sensitivity to light for several days. Some may need to maintain a specific head position, especially after vitrectomy with gas bubble placement, to facilitate retinal healing. Most individuals can resume light activities within a week, though full visual recovery may take several weeks to months.
Schedule Your Consultation
New York Retina Center is home to expert retinal care led by Dr. Brandon Johnson, a board-certified ophthalmologist and fellowship-trained retina surgeon with over 15 years of experience. Having trained at top institutions, including Wills Eye Institute and Emory University, Dr. Johnson offers expert surgical treatments with a genuinely compassionate approach to care. If you’re experiencing sudden vision changes, floaters, or other retinal symptoms, promptly schedule your consultation for retina surgery in Manhattan today.
