Frequently Asked Questions

Scleral buckle surgery reattaches a detached retina by placing a flexible silicone band around the outside of the eye to gently push the wall inward and close the tear. Most patients return to light daily activity within one to two weeks, though full visual recovery can take several months depending on how long the retina was detached before repair.

A sudden increase in flashes, floaters, or a shadow spreading across your vision should be evaluated by a retina specialist the same day if at all possible. These symptoms can signal a retinal tear or detachment, which is a time-sensitive emergency — the sooner the retina is treated, the better the chance of preserving central vision.

A scleral buckle works from the outside of the eye using a silicone band to support the retina, while a vitrectomy works from the inside by removing the vitreous gel and using gas or oil to hold the retina in place. The right approach depends on the type, location, and complexity of the detachment, and in some cases both techniques are used together.

A referral is not required to schedule an appointment at Mohawk Valley Retina in New Hartford, NY. Patients can call the office directly, and urgent or same-day appointments are available for symptoms like sudden flashes, floaters, or vision loss.

At an injection therapy visit, the eye is numbed with anesthetic drops so the procedure is well tolerated, and an anti-VEGF medication such as Eylea or a similar agent is carefully delivered into the vitreous cavity of the eye. The appointment typically takes under an hour from check-in to discharge, and most patients notice only mild pressure during the injection itself.

Laser peripheral iridotomy is a well-established, in-office procedure with a strong safety record when performed by an experienced specialist. It uses a focused laser to create a small opening in the iris, reducing pressure buildup that can trigger acute angle-closure glaucoma, and serious complications are uncommon.

PVD flashes typically appear as brief streaks or arcs of light, often in your peripheral vision, that last only a fraction of a second and tend to be most noticeable in dim lighting. They are caused by the vitreous gel tugging on the retina as it pulls away, and while PVD itself is common and often benign, new or worsening flashes should be evaluated promptly to rule out a retinal tear.

A retinal tear is diagnosed through a dilated fundus exam, in which eye drops widen the pupil so the specialist can examine the full retina using a bright light and lens. In some cases, additional imaging such as OCT or ultrasound is used to get a clearer picture of the tear's size and location before treatment is planned.

Retinopathy of prematurity occurs when a premature infant's retinal blood vessels do not develop normally after early birth, leading to abnormal vessel growth that can threaten vision. The risk is highest in babies born before 31 weeks or at very low birth weight, and regular screening exams by a retina specialist are essential to catch and treat the condition early.

Many patients on corticosteroids do receive Eylea injections safely, but the decision depends on your full medical history, the reason for the steroid use, and the condition being treated in the eye. Your retina specialist will review your current medications before each treatment cycle to confirm the approach is appropriate for your individual situation.