What is a Retinal Detachment?
Your eye is effectively a highly sophisticated and incredibly intricate camera, one of nature’s most beautiful creations. At the back of the eye, just like in a traditional camera lies the camera film or retina, a complex thin layer of specialised cells designed to sense and process light, and to transmit that information to your brain. To function, the retina must remain attached to the back wall of the eye, from which it obtains some of its blood supply. Several conditions can cause the retina to detach, in whole or in part. When this occurs suddenly, then urgent surgery or laser is required to prevent complete and irreversible blindness in that eye. This treatment is best performed by an experienced Consultant Vitreoretinal Surgeon.
Why has this Happened to Me?
It is important to realise that in most instances, you have not done anything in particular to develop this condition. Although classically thought of being due to trauma, such as boxing injuries, the vast majority of retinal detachments are actually not caused by trauma. Retinal detachments are more common if you are short-sighted (myopic), or have a history of retinal detachment in your other eye or in your family. You are also more prone to retinal detachment if you have conditions such as Marfan or Stickler syndrome. You are also at higher risk if you have undergone cataract surgery or refractive lens exchange surgery, particularly if you suffered a complication known as posterior capsular rupture (PCR).
Why has this Happened to Me?
It is important to realise that in most instances, you have not done anything in particular to develop this condition. Although classically thought of being due to trauma, such as boxing injuries, the vast majority of retinal detachments are actually not caused by trauma. Retinal detachments are more common if you are short-sighted (myopic), or have a history of retinal detachment in your other eye or in your family. You are also more prone to retinal detachment if you have conditions such as Marfan or Stickler syndrome. You are also at higher risk if you have undergone cataract surgery or refractive lens exchange surgery, particularly if you suffered a complication known as posterior capsular rupture (PCR).
Symptoms
Most retinal detachments, in particular the most common type due to retinal tears which occur later in life, develop rapidly over hours to a few days. In these cases, you will usually initially experience sudden new-onset eye floaters and flashing lights). These symptoms signify posterior vitreous detachment, the precursor to retinal detachment. (see PVD) If a retinal tear develops which is untreated, then you may develop a retinal detachment which initially will cause you to experience a dark shadow or curtain in your peripheral vision which enlarges over hours to days. At this stage your reading vision in the middle of your field of vision will be intact as the retinal detachment will not have reached your central retina. This is called a macular-on retinal detachment. If untreated, this will usually progress resulting in enlargement of the shadow in your vision and loss of your central vision (macular-off retinal detachment) Eventually, you will ordinarily experience total loss of vision in that eye without surgery.
Diagnosis
As prognosis is generally very good with treatment in the early stages of retinal detachment, it is vital that you seek medical attention as soon as possible. Initially, you may be seen by your optician, GP or in your local Emergency Department. Opticians and hospital-based ophthalmologists are trained to examine your retinas and will have the necessary specialist equipment to do so. You will initially have a test of your vision and then have drops instilled into your eyes to dilate the pupils. This will allow for a thorough examination of your retinas to diagnose or exclude retinal tears and retina detachment. This is a highly skilled examination, and small retinal breaks in the retina can sometimes be difficult to detect. A retinal detachment, however, will be more obvious. If this is suspected, then you will be referred to a vitreoretinal surgeon for confirmation and treatment.
Testimonials
Over 99% of patients rate me with 5*
Kam Balaggan is a splendid fellow and I would recommend him to anyone who needs eye surgery. My optician referred me to him when my cataracts were getting too bad to ignore. I’m glad she did. I found him to be a man whom one can engage with and trust, not only to give solid advice but to perform operations with great skill. That’s important because, after all, one only has one pair of eyes. At the first appointment, Mr Balaggan tested my eyes with some very up-to-date instruments and told me about an anomaly that I hadn’t previously been aware of. He was able to recommend some special lenses that could correct it and what he said made a lot of sense. That’s the thing – what he tells you makes sense and you know he’s not just going through the motions. Both operations went well (one for each eye, obviously) and there was no discomfort during or after surgery. None of those bad things that could theoretically happen, did happen and I was very happy. Mr. Balaggan had already explained that it might take some months for the trifocal lenses to settle in and for vision to improve, and that is exactly what is happening. I’m not left worrying or wondering what is going on.
I was diagnosed with cataracts and had the cataracts removed (Feb/March) and lens implant. I now have perfect long vision. I no longer need to wear contact lenses or glasses the first time for over 50years. I cannot thank Mr Balaggan, Alex and his team at Nuffield Wolverhampton for their professionalism. Following my initial consultation Mr Balaggan explained the procedure and gave me every confidence in him. Thank you so much.
Firstly an apology for the lateness of this review. I thought about it when I was looking back over the most positive things I have done in the last decade. Without a shadow of doubt having lens replacement surgery is the single best thing I have done in my life full stop. This may seem a bit gushing but I have had extremely poor eyesight all my life (+9) and dreaded the day my optician told me I couldn’t wear lenses again Thank you Tracy Taylor of Taylor Biddle for recommending Mr Balaggan. I cannot thank you both enough. To wake up every morning and see clearly without grappling for a pair of glasses still gives me so much joy. Only wish is that I’d done it sooner. Thank you Mr Balaggan and if you want me to speak to anyone who may be considering surgery I’d be more than happy to. Ever grateful.
I certainly would have no hesitation in recommending Mr Kam. His knowledge and experience gave me full confidence from square one and the actual procedures carried out including the Epiretinal Membrane removal was fully effective and minimal in any negative effects. He and his Secretary were fully co-operative regarding delays incurred because of my Wife’s condition, which was very much appreciated.
I am delighted with the results of this procedure and would commend it to anyone who would potentially benefit from it. Mr Balaggan is a very kind and empathetic man who can put you at your ease, provide all the necessary information and reassurance you need as well as his experience and expertise in this type of eye surgery. The process can undoubtedly be unnerving but the benefits are incredible.Inevitably there is some temporary pain and discomfort and a degree of mild inconvenience, but those elements are short lived. I can now see close, middle and far distance clearly without the need for glasses. What a wonderful outcome!
Dear Mr Balaggan
Following on from my recent procedures for Cataract Treatment please accept this little note as a huge THANKYOU to you and all of the Team at Spire Little Aston for an excellent experience, one that I was not expecting or looking forwards to!
The care given throughout both procedures was nothing short of brilliant.
Like most people would be, I was petrified of eye surgery and the thought of me having to go through it literally made me feel weak in the stomach.
However, following our initial consultation you immediately put me at ease. In particular both my husband Brian and I were very impressed with how thorough you and your team were and the way that you calmed me down by explaining the procedure without putting the “fear of god” into me.
My vision is now almost perfect thanks to you.
Believe me, It’s not very often that I take to the Internet to offer praise, however, in this instance it’s only fair to do so.
I would have no hesitation in recommending you and your team to any potential patients that may come to you in the future for assistance.
Thanks Again
I feel so lucky to have been referred to Mr Kam Balaggan in my hour of need and I have no doubt whatsoever that his professionalism, urgency and compassion has literally saved my sight. I have no central vision in my left eye due to chronic CSR, and in April suffered a giant tear with detachment in my only seeing right eye. My consultant recognised this as an urgent optical emergency which if not treated immediately would result in loss of vision in both eyes. I am relatively young and still in full employment. Such was the urgency that she would only refer me to someone she trusted implicitly – that was in the evening of 11 Apr and Mr Balaggan operated on me at 0700 the next morning before his scheduled full day of surgery! I can say no more than I have never encountered in any field such a level of professionalism and technical expertise combined with real care and compassionate attention. I will always feel indebted to Mr Balaggan for the successful restoration of my vision – what more can I say?
In 2017, I was diognosed with Posterior Vitreous Detatchment ( PVD), more commonly known as floaters. For two years this condition adversely affected my quality of life, to the point that I was unable to continue my employment of over twenty six years. I feel that unless you suffer, or have suffered from PVD, it is very difficult to comprehend how it can impact upon your day to day life. I had been constantly advised that there was nothing that could be done, and basically I would have to “live with it”.
Thankfully on 5th November, Mr Balaggan successfully completed vitrectomy surgery on my right eye. To say that I was nervous is an understatement, given the risks that are associated with any surgical procedure.
All went smoothly, and the care I received was absolutely first class. The recovery time was only 2-3 weeks, and the operation has been a complete success. The floaters have gone and I am overjoyed – I have my life back !
I cannot thank Mr Balaggan enough – not only is he a true gentleman, kind, caring and compassionate, he is a true expert in his field. I would 100 percent recommend him to anyone who is experiencing this problem, as the result will transform your life.
Thank you so much Mr Balaggan – you are amazing.
For last 4 years I (48yr old) have suffered debris (floaters & floating capsule) trapped in my central vision on my main eye. This has led to obstructed vision, depression and low mood. I had been told on numerous occasions nothing could be done and ‘to live with it’. On 13/02/20 Mr Balaggan did a vitrectomy and removed ALL floaters. I have my life back – dreams have come true!! My vision has been transformed…so sharp and colourful. I have had a long history of issues/operations and seen numerous top surgeons around the country from Moorfields (London) to Oxford but so pleased to have found Mr Balaggan here on my doorstep. Mr Balaggan is a true expert in eyes, kind caring and compassionate. 100% recommend.
I was given Mr Balaggan’s name by Benenden Health when my ophthalmologist referred me for specialist examination Mr Balaggan has a friendly manner and is easy to relate to. He explained my situation and the options available to me I feel comfortable being in his care.
Originally having private cataract surgery on both eyes ,although not at the same time, I came to know Mr Balaggan as a top rate ophthalmic surgeon. Later a tear on the retina was successfully treated by Mr Balagganat Wolverhampton eye hospital. Having later having had had a detached retina Mr Balaggan has been instrumental in restoring my eye sight. Very friendly and competent consultant who puts patients at ease. Explanations clearly given to any items of concern. I thoroughly recommend Mr Balaggan for any eye problems.
Mr Balaggan performed very successful (and life-changing) lens replacement surgery on both my eyes with the primary purpose of correcting extreme myopia. He is highly professional and experienced and obviously extremely skilled. He was open and approachable at all times and I felt fully informed, reassured and supported throughout the whole process. I am very grateful for his care and expertise and would not hesitate to recommend him to anyone seeking ophthalmic treatment.
I had a vitrectomy 11 months ago under the care of Mr Balaggan as I had suffered with chronic floaters that had stopped me from performing my daily activities. From my initial consultation to the post operative follow up consultation I found Mr Balaggan to be very kind and professional, explaining all the options open for me and carefully listening to all my concerns. The vitrectomy was a great success! His skill was evident as there was little to no pain following the procedure and very little redness on the eye. Being free of the floaters was amazing my vision was wonderfully clear. Yesterday Mr Balaggan performed cataract surgery for me on the same eye! I was extremely nervous but he was once again was amazingly kind, patient and very accommodating. Mr Balaggan and his team did everything in their power to make me comfortable during the surgery. His expertise and skill shone through as the surgery went very well even with my previous eye history. I didn’t feel any pain and felt very confident in Mr Balaggans safe hands. He made time to speak to me twice before discharge. Already today, day 1 post op, I feel great seeing improvement in my vision already! I have just realised how dull my vision was with that cataract everything is bright now! Can’t wait now to get the second eye done! If you need any eye surgery Mr Balaggans the man you can trust to do the job!!
I required three eye operations in total (all anticipated) and everything went according to plan. Mr Balaggan is clearly an expert at what he does but also has the ability to put you totally at ease about what is going to happen. Not only has Mr. Balaggan succeeded in arresting a potentially sight-threatening problem in my one eye but I now also have near perfect long distance vision in both eyes for the first time in nearly 50 years. Definitely a success!
Dr Kam and his team carried out cataract surgery for my grandmother at the Nuffield Hospital on November 2019. Due to her being diagnosed as partially blind, she had been told on numerous hospital visits that removing the cataracts from her eyes would be too risky and would not make much difference to her sight. She had completely lost hope that her sight would ever improve. However Dr Kam and his team managed to achieve this. The level of care and compassion shown before, during and after the operations was exceptional. The improvement in vision my grandmother has seen is amazing. Thank you.
Mr. Balaggan is a highly qualified and experienced eye surgeon who works to the highest professional standards, as do all the staff encountered in the clinic. He performed two painless eye operations on me with excellent results. He has been very pleasant, meticulous, and taken time listening and in giving clear explanations. I was immediately put at ease. Pity he doesn’t do knees.
Firstly an apology for the lateness of this review. I thought about it when I was looking back over the most positive things I have done in the last decade. Without a shadow of doubt having lens replacement surgery is the single best thing I have done in my life full stop. This may seem a bit gushing but I have had extremely poor eyesight all my life (+9) and dreaded the day my optician told me I couldn’t wear lenses again Thank you Tracy Taylor of Taylor Biddle for recommending Mr Balaggan. I cannot thank you both enough. To wake up every morning and see clearly without grappling for a pair of glasses still gives me so much joy. Only wish is that I’d done it sooner. Thank you Mr Balaggan and if you want me to speak to anyone who may be considering surgery I’d be more than happy to. Ever grateful.
Having any form of treatment to my eyes was my worst nightmare and when my eyesight became distorted due to a lifted membrane over my retina, I ignored my referral for a year before I simply had to do something. I wish I had contacted Mr Balaggan earlier. Seven months later the membrane is removed and cataracts treated in both my eyes and now I no longer fear eye surgery. This is not only due to Mr Balaggan’s expertise and professionalism but also the way in which he makes you feel at ease. I trust him completely and he and the team around him provide an environment in which you feel safe in their hands.
I had very poor eyesight from birth and self refered to Mr Balaggan. Mr Balaggan was very curtious, and extreemly thorough in his assess ment tests, My clear lense replacement has given me a new lease of life. BETTER than 20/20 vision in both eyes. After care was just as thorough making sure everything had gone as planned and had settled well. I cannot thank Mr Balaggan enough.