Retinal Detachment Treatment in India

James Ali, a 58-year-old long-haul truck...

James Ali, a 58-year-old long-haul truck driver, had been noticing flashes of light and a persistent 'curtain' shadow in his peripheral vision for two weeks. With a history of severe nearsightedness, he initially dismissed it as eye strain from his demanding night drives. When the shadow grew larger, obscuring his lower field of vision, his wife insisted he see a doctor. An ophthalmologist diagnosed a rhegmatogenous retinal detachment, explaining that a small tear had allowed fluid to lift the retina. James was terrified; his livelihood depended on his vision. The doctor recommended an urgent vitrectomy with gas bubble tamponade. The surgery was performed under local anesthesia, and James felt pressure but no pain. Post-operatively, he had to maintain a strict face-down position for a week to keep the gas bubble in place, a physically and mentally grueling task. After three months, his retina was fully reattached. While his central vision returned, some peripheral vision loss remained. Emotionally, he moved from fear and denial to profound gratitude. He now attends all his check-ups and has adjusted his driving routes to avoid night shifts, valuing his sight more than ever.