About Pneumatic Retinopexy
Key Highlights
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Minimally invasive procedure with no large incisions required.Typically performed as an outpatient surgery, allowing patients to return home the same day.Often has a faster visual recovery compared to more extensive retinal surgeries.Preserves the natural lens of the eye, unlike some other retinal procedures.Generally associated with less post-operative discomfort.Can be a highly effective treatment for select retinal detachments./ul
Who is this surgery for?
- Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment with a single break or a small group of breaks.
- Retinal tears or breaks located in the upper two-thirds (superior 8 clock hours) of the retina.
- Detachments where the break is less than 1 clock hour in size.
- Patients who are unable to undergo more invasive surgery due to other health conditions.
- Clear media (no significant cataract or vitreous hemorrhage) allowing a good view of the retina.
How to prepare
- Comprehensive eye examination including detailed retinal mapping to confirm the type and location of the detachment.
- Discussion of medical history, especially any conditions affecting gas expansion (e.g., recent air travel, plans for future travel, history of glaucoma).
- Pre-operative tests may include an ultrasound of the eye if the view is obscured.
- Patients must arrange for transportation home, as they cannot drive after the procedure.
- Instructions will be given regarding fasting before the surgery if sedation is used.
- Discontinuation of certain medications, like blood thinners, may be advised as per the surgeon's instructions.
Risks & possible complications
- Failure of the retina to reattach, requiring additional surgery.
- Development of new or missed retinal breaks.
- Increase in intraocular pressure (glaucoma) due to the gas bubble.
- Cataract formation or progression, especially in older patients.
- Infection (endophthalmitis), though rare.
- Proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR), a scarring process that can cause re-detachment.
- Subconjunctival hemorrhage (eye redness).
- Gas bubble-related issues like prolonged floaters or temporary visual obstruction.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Patients must maintain a specific head positioning (as instructed by the surgeon) for several days to keep the gas bubble in contact with the retinal tear.
- Use of prescribed antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops to prevent infection and reduce swelling.
- Avoid air travel, travel to high altitudes, and nitrous oxide anesthesia until the gas bubble is completely absorbed, as pressure changes can cause dangerous eye pressure spikes.
- Avoid strenuous activities, heavy lifting, and eye rubbing for several weeks.
- Regular follow-up appointments are crucial to monitor healing and retinal attachment.
- Vision will be very blurry initially due to the gas bubble and will gradually improve as the bubble absorbs over 2-6 weeks.
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Typical hospital stay: 0 days (Outpatient)
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Expected recovery time: 2-6 weeks for gas bubble absorption and initial visual stabilization
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering pneumatic retinopexy in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for pneumatic retinopexy in India include Kamineni Hospital, Tadigadapa, Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Manipal Hospital Goa , known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform pneumatic retinopexy. MediFyr helps you compare ophthalmologists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for pneumatic retinopexy compare across other countries where we have data.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | INR 35 Thousand – 75 Thousand | 0 days (Outpatient) | ~ 2-6 weeks for gas bubble absorption and initial visual stabilization | Know More |
| Turkey | TRY 123 Thousand – 263 Thousand | 0 days (Outpatient) | ~ 2-6 weeks for gas bubble absorption and initial visual stabilization | Know More |
Top hospitals for Pneumatic Retinopexy in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated ophthalmology teams and experience managing patients undergoing pneumatic retinopexy.
Aditya Smith, 58, is a carpenter...
Aditya Smith, 58, is a carpenter who has worked with his hands his entire life. He noticed a sudden shower of floaters and flashes of light in his right eye while finishing a cabinet, followed by a dark curtain creeping across his vision. Terrified he might lose his ability to work and provide, he went to the emergency eye clinic. The ophthalmologist diagnosed a retinal detachment and, noting it was a superior tear, recommended pneumatic retinopexy as the least invasive option to save his vision quickly. In the office, Aditya felt intense pressure and a deep ache as the gas bubble was injected and the laser was applied, but he remained still, focusing on his grandkids. Recovery required him to maintain a strict face-down position for five days, a frustrating but manageable task. The gas bubble slowly absorbed over weeks, and his vision steadily cleared. The emotional relief was profound; he moved from a state of sheer panic about blindness and losing his livelihood to immense gratitude for modern medicine and a renewed appreciation for his sight.
Ophthalmologists for Pneumatic Retinopexy
Explore experienced ophthalmologists who regularly perform pneumatic retinopexy and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 21 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 27 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar
- 5 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad
- 28 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
- 28 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida
- 23 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 19 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
- 15 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida
- 12 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 9 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar
- 20 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Mukundapur, Kolkata
- 9 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 8 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Hebbal, Bangalore
- 16 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Hebbal, Bangalore
- 11 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Millers Road, Bangalore
- 17 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Ranchi, Ranchi
- 16 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Kharadi, Pune
- 13 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 10 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 11 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist