The short answer
A detached retina is repaired by surgery, usually urgently. Vitrectomy removes the gel inside the eye and fills it with a gas or silicone oil bubble that holds the retina in place while it heals. A scleral buckle stitches a small band to the outside of the eye to push the wall against the retina, and is often used in younger people. Some simple detachments are treated with a gas injection in clinic. After a gas bubble you may need to keep your head in a set position for some days, and this matters for the result.
Ask about retinal detachment surgeryMedically reviewed by Dr Debo Odulana, Founder and Chief Executive, Mezo. Last reviewed . This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Care is decided with you after an examination.
Why speed matters
The retina is the seeing layer of the eye. When it comes away from the wall of the eye, it stops working. If the centre of the retina, the macula, is still attached, quick surgery aims to save central sight. If the macula has detached, sight may not fully return even after successful repair. That is why the warning signs need same-day attention.
The main operations
Your retina surgeon chooses based on the type and position of the detachment, your age, and whether you have had cataract surgery.
- Vitrectomy: the gel inside the eye is removed, the retina is flattened, tears are sealed with laser or freezing, and the eye is filled with gas or silicone oil. Gas disappears on its own over weeks; oil is removed in a later operation
- Scleral buckle: a soft band is stitched to the outside of the eye, under the skin of the eye, and usually stays for life. Often used for younger people and some types of detachment
- Pneumatic retinopexy: a gas bubble is injected in clinic and the tear sealed with freezing or laser, for some simple detachments
Head positioning
A gas or oil bubble floats upwards, so your head is positioned to keep the bubble pressing on the area that needs to heal. You may be asked to keep your face down, or to lie on one side, for much of the day for some days. It is tiring, but it can make the difference between success and a repeat operation. Plan for it: pillows, a face-down support if possible, someone to help at home, and time off work.
Recovery
- Sight is very blurred at first, especially with gas. With gas, you may see a wobbling line that moves down as the bubble shrinks
- Drops for some weeks
- No flying, going up into high mountains or nitrous oxide anaesthetic while there is gas in the eye
- Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activity until your surgeon says
- Final sight can take months to settle, and a new glasses prescription may be needed
What it costs on Mezo
One fixed price, paid online.
Common questions
Will I see normally again after retinal detachment surgery?
Many people recover useful sight, but the result depends on how long the retina was detached and whether the centre was involved. Your surgeon will explain what is realistic for your eye.
Can the retina detach again?
It can, and some people need more than one operation. Know the warning signs for both eyes.
Can I sleep normally while positioning?
Follow your surgeon's instructions. Often the main thing is to avoid lying on your back while gas is in the eye.
What does retinal detachment surgery cost on Mezo?
It is quoted after the retina specialist examines you, because it depends on the type of repair. You see the written quote before the operation.
The procedures
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Sources and further reading
The guidelines and patient information this page is checked against. Care in Nigeria follows the same evidence; what differs is the price and where it is done.
- Detached retina (retinal detachment). NHS. Patient information.
- Detached retina. American Academy of Ophthalmology. Patient information.
- Vitrectomy. American Academy of Ophthalmology. Patient information.
- Scleral buckle surgery. American Academy of Ophthalmology. Patient information.
Links last checked 23 October 2026.
Medical disclaimer: This guide is general information and does not replace advice from your own doctor. Where your centre's instructions differ from this guide, follow theirs.