Despite blurred vision in her left eye, Hang did not suspect a serious medical condition. Doctor Bui Viet Hung, Head of the Vitreoretinal Department at the High-tech Eye Center, Tam Anh General Hospital Hanoi, reported that the patient's left retina was completely detached, accompanied by subretinal proliferation and dense vitreous opacities. Her right eye also showed an area of upper peripheral retinal degeneration.

Retinal detachment occurs when the retina separates from its normal position on the eyeball wall, leading to vision impairment and potential permanent vision loss if not treated promptly. Doctors assessed Hang’s case as complex, noting that proliferative fibrous tissues could pull on the retina, causing the condition to worsen and making treatment more challenging.

The peripheral retinal degeneration in Hang’s right eye makes the retina thinner and weaker, increasing its susceptibility to tears and detachment. Individuals who have experienced retinal detachment in one eye require close monitoring of the other eye due to the elevated risk of similar damage.

The surgical team performs retinal detachment surgery on the patient's left eye. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

Doctors performed surgery on the left eye to preserve the patient’s vision, which involved vitrectomy, scleral buckle placement, and intraocular silicone oil injection. Silicone oil is maintained inside the eye to help keep the retina in place after surgery. Damaged retinal areas received laser photocoagulation to enhance retinal reattachment.

For the right eye, doctors used laser treatment to address the peripheral retinal degeneration. Doctor Hung stated that while this is a positive sign, the potential for vision recovery depends on the extent of pre-operative damage. Individuals experiencing symptoms such as blurred vision, floaters, flashes of light, or a dark curtain obscuring vision should seek early examination.

Doctors advise myopic individuals to undergo regular eye examinations and retinal checks, rather than solely focusing on their eyeglass prescription. Before undergoing refractive surgery, patients need a comprehensive evaluation to detect any abnormalities, particularly retinal lesions, to protect their vision promptly.

Thu Giang