U Education

Before undergoing refractive eye surgery or LASIK, it is important to have a complete ocular examination. This includes an examination of the retina. The retina is the tissue that lines the back of the eye. It acts much like the film in a camera by processing light that is focused on it so that you can see clearly.

It is important that the retina remains attached to the back of the eye for it to function. Lesions in the peripheral retina such as retinal holes or tears, or lattice degeneration, may lead to retinal detachment if not addressed, particularly before any surgery is undertaken.

Lattice degeneration is a thinning of the retina that can predispose to retinal holes or tears. Retinal holes or tears can occur even without symptoms, although patients typically complain of floaters or flashing lights when they occur. If you have any new symptoms, such as floaters or flashing lights, or a family history of retinal detachment, it is important to tell your surgeon.

A thorough retinal examination prior to undergoing refractive eye surgery is important. And any suspicious lesions that can predispose to retinal detachment may be treated with retinal laser – laser retinopexy.