Retinal Detachment Surgery in Islamabad & Rawalpindi
Performed by Dr. Muhammad Amjad — Consultant Vitreoretinal Surgeon, fellowship-trained at Moorfields Eye Hospital London. Serving patients at Al-Shifa Eye Hospital Rawalpindi and Islamabad.
⚠ If you are experiencing symptoms — act now
Sudden flashes of light, a shower of new floaters, or a dark shadow across your vision are warning signs of retinal detachment. Do not wait. Contact us immediately via WhatsApp on +92 327 850 6363 or book an urgent appointment below.
What is retinal detachment (پردہ پھٹنا)?
The retina is the light-sensitive layer lining the inside of the eye. Retinal detachment — called پردہ پھٹنا (parda phhatna) in Urdu — occurs when this layer separates from the underlying tissue that supplies it with oxygen and nutrients. Without blood supply, retinal cells begin to die within hours, causing permanent vision loss.
Retinal detachment is a true ocular emergency. The outcome depends critically on how quickly surgery is performed — particularly whether the macula (the central, high-resolution part of the retina) is still attached.
Warning signs — seek urgent care
- A sudden shower of new floaters — dark spots, threads, or cobwebs in vision
- Flashes of light, especially visible in dim lighting or when moving the eye
- A dark shadow, curtain, or grey area spreading across part of your vision
- Sudden blurring or distortion of central vision
- Peripheral vision that seems to have disappeared
Surgical options
Pars Plana Vitrectomy (PPV)
The most commonly used approach for retinal detachment in modern practice. Three small instruments are inserted through the white of the eye (pars plana). The vitreous gel is removed, the retina is reattached, and a gas bubble or silicone oil tamponade holds the retina in position while it heals. Dr. Amjad performs 25- and 27-gauge sutureless vitrectomy — the smallest instruments available, meaning faster recovery and less discomfort.
Scleral Buckling
A silicone band or sponge is sutured around the outside of the eye, indenting the wall inward to support the retinal tear and relieve traction. This approach is particularly effective for certain types of detachment in younger patients and avoids the need to remove the vitreous. It is often combined with vitrectomy for complex cases.
Pneumatic Retinopexy
A gas bubble is injected into the eye in the clinic (without vitrectomy) to seal small retinal tears in specific locations. Used selectively for straightforward, superior detachments. Requires careful post-operative posturing.
Recovery after retinal detachment surgery
- Head posturing (face-down or to one side) may be required for 1–2 weeks if a gas bubble is used
- Do not fly until the gas bubble has fully absorbed — typically 6–10 weeks
- Eye drops for 4–6 weeks post-operatively
- Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercise for 4–6 weeks
- Vision improves gradually over 3–6 months; final outcome depends on macular status at time of surgery
- Silicone oil (if used) requires a second procedure to remove it, typically after 3 months
Why Dr. Muhammad Amjad?
- Vitreoretinal Fellowship at Moorfields Eye Hospital London — world-renowned as a global centre of ophthalmology
- FRCOphth — Fellow of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists, UK
- 20+ years' experience in complex vitreoretinal surgery
- Performs 25/27-gauge sutureless vitrectomy — the most advanced minimally invasive technique
- Extensive experience in paediatric retinal detachment and ROP (Retinopathy of Prematurity)
- Urgent cases assessed and operated on promptly — no waiting lists for true emergencies
Frequently asked questions
Is retinal detachment an emergency?
Yes. Retinal detachment is a sight-threatening emergency. The sooner surgery is performed, the better the visual outcome. If the macula (central vision area) has not yet detached, same-day or next-day surgery gives the best chance of preserving central vision. If you experience sudden flashes, floaters, or a shadow or curtain across your vision — contact us immediately.
What are the warning signs of retinal detachment?
The most common warning signs are: a sudden increase in floaters (dark spots or strings in your vision), flashes of light (especially in dim lighting), and a shadow, curtain, or dark area spreading across part of your visual field. These symptoms require urgent assessment — do not wait. Contact Dr. Amjad's clinic immediately.
What type of surgery is used to repair retinal detachment?
The two main surgical approaches are vitrectomy and scleral buckling. Vitrectomy (pars plana vitrectomy, or PPV) removes the vitreous gel and uses internal gas or oil tamponade to support the retina while it reattaches. Scleral buckling places a silicone band around the outside of the eye to support the tear. Many cases use a combination of both techniques. Dr. Amjad will choose the most appropriate approach based on the type, location, and extent of the detachment.
How long does retinal detachment surgery take?
Surgery typically takes 1–2.5 hours depending on complexity. It is usually performed under local anaesthesia, though general anaesthesia may be used in some cases. You will be admitted to hospital for the procedure and discharged the same day or the next morning.
What is the recovery like after retinal detachment surgery?
Recovery depends on the surgical technique used. If a gas bubble was placed in the eye, you will need to maintain a specific head position (posturing) for several days to weeks — Dr. Amjad will advise on the direction and duration. Vision gradually improves over weeks to months. Avoid flying until the gas bubble has fully absorbed (this is critical — altitude changes can cause rapid pressure rise in a gas-filled eye). Full recovery and final visual outcome assessment typically takes 3–6 months.
What is the success rate of retinal detachment surgery?
Primary retinal reattachment rates with modern vitrectomy surgery are over 90% in most cases. Final visual outcome depends heavily on whether the macula was involved: if the macula was attached at the time of surgery, most patients regain good central vision. If the macula was detached, vision recovery takes longer and may not fully restore to previous levels — which is why speed of treatment is critical.
Who is at higher risk of retinal detachment?
Higher risk groups include: people who are highly short-sighted (myopic), those who have had previous cataract surgery, people with a family history of retinal detachment, patients with Marfan syndrome or other connective tissue disorders, and anyone who has had a significant eye injury. If you are in a high-risk group, a dilated retinal examination is recommended even without symptoms.
Parda phhatne (retinal detachment) par fauran kya karna chahiye — Islamabad ya Rawalpindi mein kahan jayein?
Parda phhatna (پردہ پھٹنا) ek fori emergency hai. Agar aapko achanak aankhon mein roshnion ki chamak, kaale dhabbe (floaters), ya aankh ke ek taraf andhera aa raha ho, toh bilkul deri mat karein — yeh parda phhatne ki alamat ho sakti hai. Dr. Muhammad Amjad Al-Shifa Eye Hospital Rawalpindi aur Islamabad mein urgent cases dekhte hain. Fauran WhatsApp par message karen: +92 327 850 6363. Jitna jald operation ho, utna behtar result hoga — khaas tor par agar nazar ka beech (macula) abhi tak salaamat hai.
Medical Disclaimer
This page is for general information only. If you are experiencing visual symptoms that may indicate retinal detachment, seek urgent medical attention immediately — do not rely solely on online information.