# Retina Treatments

Source page: https://www.kudretgozistanbul.com/en/treatments/retina-treatments

**Author:** Opr. Dr. Osman Şenbilgin | **Medical Approval:** Op. Dr. Deniz Oygar Baylançiçek | **Date:** 2026-09-17

> **Summary:** Retinal treatments are the injections, laser therapies and operations used for diseases of the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye, such as macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy and retinal detachment. Their aim is to keep the retina healthy and prevent vision loss; early diagnosis plays an important role.

## Quick Facts
- **Operation Duration:** 30 minutes to 2 hours
- **Anaesthesia Type:** Local or general anaesthesia (FAQ: usually local; sedation or general anaesthesia in some cases)
- **Recovery Time:** Back to daily life in a few days, full recovery in 2-4 weeks (longer after vitrectomy if gas or silicone oil was placed in the eye)

---

## What are Retinal Treatments?
The retina detects light and transmits the image to the brain. Retinal diseases impair this function and can cause vision loss. Treatments include injections, laser therapy and surgery.

## Conditions and Treatments

### Vitrectomy Surgery
An operation for diseases at the back of the eye. It clears blood from inside the eye and peels membranes that can form, for example, due to diabetes.

### MACROvision
An intraocular optical implant for retinal diseases that impair central vision, such as macular degeneration. It magnifies the image and directs it to the healthy part of the macula. It does not treat the underlying disease but helps the patient use remaining vision better.

### Macular Degeneration
Damage to the central retina (macula), usually age-related, affecting central vision.
- **Dry type:** deterioration of macular cells; more common.
- **Wet type:** abnormal new vessels that can leak; can lead to vision loss if untreated.

### Retinal Detachment
Separation of the retinal nerve layer from the pigment epithelium beneath, usually when fluid leaks through a tear or hole, like damp wallpaper peeling from a wall. Usually treated surgically; vitrectomy or laser may be needed to reattach the retina.

### Diabetic Retinopathy
High blood sugar damages retinal capillaries, causing vision problems and, when progressive, blindness. Treated with laser, injections or vitrectomy; early treatment can prevent vision loss.

### Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP)
Abnormal growth of retinal blood vessels in premature and low birth weight babies.

---

## Frequently Asked Questions

**Q: Which diseases do retinal treatments cover?**
A: Among others, retinal detachment, diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration.

**Q: What is vitrectomy?**
A: Surgery that removes fluid, haemorrhage and membranes from the back of the eye.

**Q: How long is recovery after vitrectomy?**
A: Most people return to daily activities within a few days; full recovery usually takes 2-4 weeks, longer if gas or silicone oil was placed in the eye.

**Q: What anaesthesia is used?**
A: Usually local anaesthesia; sedation or general anaesthesia may be needed in some cases.

**Q: What is MACROvision?**
A: An implant that magnifies the image onto the healthy part of the macula in central vision loss; it does not treat the disease itself.

**Q: Are there two types of macular degeneration?**
A: Yes, dry and wet. Dry is more common; wet can lead to vision loss if untreated.