Retinal Detachment

A detached retina is a serious medical emergency that should be treated immediately to prevent vision loss.

Our doctors offer a range of options to effectively treat retinal detachment and maintain your vision.

Contact the team at Retina & Eye Specialists of New Jersey in Hackettstown, NJ, or Morristown, NJ, today to see an eye doctor.

Schedule an Emergency Eye Appointment

If you suspect that you are experiencing any of the symptoms of retinal detachment or a retinal tear, schedule an emergency medical appointment as soon as possible. Contact us online to send a message or request a consultation. You can also reach us by phone:

Call: (973) 871-2020

Symptoms of Retinal Detachment

Floaters

Retinal detachment can lead to severe visual impairment and even blindness, and should be treated as a medical emergency. The signs and symptoms of a retinal tear or detachment include:

Flashes of light on the outer edges of the central field of vision
Sudden increase in the number of observed floaters
Heavy feeling in the eye
A shadow or veil-like image moving from your peripheral vision toward your central field of vision
Blurry vision

What Is Retinal Detachment?

To understand why it is so important to seek immediate care for a detached retina, we discuss the critical role that the retina plays in producing excellent quality of vision.

Risk Factors

A number of issues can place a patient at increased risk of retinal detachment, including:

Aging
Extreme nearsightedness
Injury or trauma to the eye
Previous retinal detachment
Family history of retinal detachment
Previous eye surgery, such as cataract surgery
Previous eye injury
Conditions and diseases, such as diabetic retinopathy

Why Hackettstown Trusts Us

When addressing an issue as serious as retinal detachment, you need a surgeon you can trust. The Consumers' Research Council of America named Dr. Sean Lalin one of "America's Top Ophthalmologists." Dr. Lalin has lectured worldwide, authored many peer-reviewed publications, and been honored for his excellence in teaching by the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary Award.

Retinal detachment treatment can be achieved in a variety of ways. We have invested in advanced technologies that allow us to effectively complete the best surgery for each patient. Dr. Lalin also makes himself available between appointments to ensure his patients' can reach out to him with any and all recovery questions or concerns.

The Importance of an Early Diagnosis

Prevention is always the best treatment for any eye disorder. By understanding the early signs of retinal detachment, you can dramatically increase your chances of early detection and successful treatment.

Schedule an Appointment Today

If you have any risk factors for retinal detachment, such as previous cataract surgery, and you notice the symptoms of this serious condition, it is important to take action immediately. By combining extensive training with compassionate care, the team at Retina & Eye Specialists of New Jersey in Morristown and Hackettstown, NJ, and is able to act quickly and effectively in order to preserve your vision.

If you notice any of the signs of retinal detachment, contact us immediately. You can reach us online to request an emergency appointment or reach us by phone at (973) 871-2020.

Write to Our Hackettstown Team

We Earn 5-Star Reviews From Grateful Hackettstown, NJ, Patients

Amazing. I can see like I am 18 again. I had no idea how badly cataracts had impacted my vision. I only knew something was wrong. Based on his excellent reputation, I called Dr. Lalin. He replaced the affected lenses in both eyes. I was able to continue working with almost no downtime and very little discomfort. Thank you Dr. Lalin.

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My mother just got her second eye done. So we've been there twice... The staff was all very patient and kind. They treated my mom with patience, and kindness as she's hard of hearing. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THEM!... I know when it's my turn..that's where I'm going!! Dr. Lalin, Dr. Shah..Thank you to all who make up a wonderful team!

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Treatment Options

Dr. Lalin provides a number of retinal detachment treatment options. During a medical consultation at our Hackettstown or Morristown, NJ, practice, we can recommend the best treatment plan for you, depending on the severity of your condition.

Vitrectomy

During a vitrectomy, the fluid inside the eye (vitreous) is drained and replaced. This gives surgeons better access to the retina to repair retinal detachment or address other retinal problems. It can also relieve pressure and allow the retina to reattach itself. Once repairs are made, the vitreous fluid is replaced with air, gas, or liquid to hold the retina in its proper position.

Traditional surgical interventions for retinal detachment can require a month-long healing period. With this innovative technique, our patients can safely return to their daily activities within 24 to 48 hours.

Pneumatic Retinopexy

During the pneumatic retinopexy procedure, Dr. Lalin injects an expanding air bubble or gas bubble into the vitreous. You will then be positioned in a manner that allows the expanding air or gas bubble to push the detached area against the back of the eye. This approach causes the retina to flatten. The bubble of air or gas is eventually absorbed by the body.

Following the pneumatic retinopexy procedure, patients typically undergo photocoagulation or cryotherapy to seal the retina in place.

Cryotherapy

During cryotherapy, we apply an extremely cold probe against the wall of the eye, in the area directly adjacent to the detached retina or retinal tear. The probe freezes the area and creates scar tissue. The scar tissue then acts like glue or adhesive that seals the retina in place and closes retinal tears. Dr. Lalin may need to apply the probe to several areas to seal the hole or reattach the retina. In the weeks following the procedure, the bonds securing the retina will naturally strengthen.

Photocoagulation

While cryotherapy uses extreme cold to treat retinal detachment, photocoagulation uses the heat of a laser to secure the retina to the underlying tissue. During this laser surgery, a highly precise beam is directed at the retinal tear, creating tiny areas of scar tissue that can seal a tear or reattach the retina to surrounding tissues. In this approach, the laser creates small areas of scar tissue that act more like staples to hold the retina in place.

Scleral Buckle Surgery

During scleral buckle surgery, Dr. Lalin will sew a small piece of rubber or sponge to the sclera, which is the white portion of the eye. The sclera is then pushed toward the center of the eye, resulting in an indentation in the wall of the eye that can relieve pressure on the retina. In appropriate cases, the added support for the retina allows it to reattach to surrounding tissues and close retinal tears.

See These Different Procedures in Action...

Diagram of potential retinal detachment treatments

All Procedures Are Performed in Morristown

Your retinal detachment consultation can be completed at either our Hackettstown or Morristown locations. However, all necessary procedures will take place in Morristown.

We understand that the prospect of vision loss and diseases of the retina can be overwhelming. We have taken many steps to ensure that our Morristown office is designed for optimal patient comfort. It is located in a spacious, comfortable building and the interior has been tailored to be as warm and inviting as possible.

Hear More From Hackettstown

I highly recommend Dr. lalin and his surgical team. They are caring and supportive. My vision is very good now. Look forward to my next eye next week. Dr. Lalin called that night to see how I felt. Very glad I chose Dr. lalin

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Lourdes really took excellent care of my mom, Jean, who is 96 years old and physically struggles with visiting the office as well as with her challenging eye conditions. Lourdes was patient, kind, and caring... She treated mom like a family member and assisted her in every way possible, including helping her out of the chair at the end of her appointment.

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We Strive for Affordability

Excessive financial stress is the last thing patients struggling with retinal detachment need. We strive to make your care as affordable as possible. Our practice accepts VSP Vision Care insurance and is here to handle any insurance issues.

Any out-of-pocket costs can be paid with cash, check, and any major credit card. We also accept third-party financing through CareCredit®, which allows you to pay for your care in convenient low-interest or no-interest monthly installments.

After Surgery Expectations

Saving your vision with retinal detachment surgery is truly life-changing. While indisputably worth it, the long-term benefits do come with some short-term setbacks.