What is it?
The retina is the thin, light-sensing layer at the back of the eye. When it lifts away from the wall of the eye it stops working, and the part of your vision it served goes dark. Most detachments start with a small tear, through which fluid seeps under the retina and peels it off, like wallpaper coming loose.
Detachments that have not yet reached the macula (the centre of the retina used for reading and faces) usually recover very good vision after surgery. Once the macula is off, the final vision depends on how quickly it is put back. That is why a detachment is repaired within hours to a few days, not weeks.
Symptoms
- A sudden shower of new floaters (dots, cobwebs or a 'swarm of flies')
- Flashes of light, especially at the side of your vision or in the dark
- A dark shadow or curtain moving in from one side, from above or from below
- Blurred or wavy central vision, if the macula is involved
Risk factors and causes
- High myopia (strong minus glasses)
- Previous cataract surgery or eye surgery
- A blow to the eye or head
- A retinal detachment in the other eye, or in the family
- Advanced diabetic retinopathy (traction detachment)
- Lattice degeneration (thin areas in the retina found on a dilated check)
Call us the same day if you notice new flashes, a shower of floaters, or a shadow over part of your vision. Do not wait for it to clear up on its own.
Call +91 98306 66650How it is diagnosed
- Dilated retina examination with indirect ophthalmoscopy, to find every tear
- B-scan ultrasound when blood or a cataract blocks the view
- OCT scan to check whether the macula is attached
Treatment options
Vitrectomy
The vitreous gel that pulls on the retina is removed through three tiny ports, the retina is flattened, the tears are sealed with laser, and the eye is filled with gas or silicone oil to hold the retina in place while it heals. Used for most detachments in adults, and always when there is bleeding or scar tissue.
Scleral buckle
A soft silicone band is stitched on the outside of the eye wall to push it against the tear. Often preferred in young patients with clear gel, and does not cause cataract.
Pneumatic retinopexy
A small gas bubble is injected into the eye and the tear is sealed with freezing or laser. Suitable only for selected detachments with a single tear in the upper retina; done as a clinic procedure.
Laser or cryo alone
If a tear is found before the retina detaches, a 10-minute laser (barrage laser) can seal it and prevent a detachment.
What happens, step by step
- Same-day assessment
Dilated retina check and scans. The surgeon explains the type of surgery, the expected result, and gives you a written cost estimate.
- Surgery
Usually under local anaesthesia (an injection around the eye) as a day-care procedure. It takes 45 to 90 minutes.
- Positioning
If gas or oil was used, you keep your head in a set position (often face-down or on one side) for a few days. This holds the bubble against the tear.
- Follow-up
Checks at day 1, week 1, and month 1. Gas disappears by itself in 2 to 8 weeks; silicone oil is removed by a second short operation after about 3 months.
Recovery timeline
- First week
Drops 4 to 6 times a day. Posture as advised. Mild discomfort only; strong pain needs a call.
- 2 to 8 weeks
Vision is blurry while the gas bubble is in the eye. No flying, no hill travel and no nitrous oxide anaesthesia until the gas has gone.
- 1 to 3 months
Vision steadily improves. New glasses are given once the eye settles.
Retinal detachment surgery cost in Kolkata
At Spectra, retinal detachment surgery starts from ₹22,000–25,000. The final figure depends on the technique (vitrectomy, buckle or pneumatic), whether silicone oil or gas is used, and whether cataract surgery is combined. Silicone oil, if used, needs a later removal surgery, which is costed separately. Across Kolkata, the same surgery usually costs ₹40,000 to ₹1,50,000 per eye.
| Treatment / test | At Spectra | Typical Kolkata range |
|---|---|---|
| Retinal detachment surgeryper eye | from ₹22,000 – ₹25,000 | ₹40,000 – ₹1,50,000 |
| Vitrectomyper eye | from ₹22,000 – ₹25,000 | ₹40,000 – ₹1,20,000 |
| Scleral buckle surgeryper eye | Written estimate | ₹30,000 – ₹70,000 |
| Pneumatic retinopexyper eye | Written estimate | ₹15,000 – ₹35,000 |
| Silicone oil removalper eye | Written estimate | ₹15,000 – ₹40,000 |
| B-scan ultrasound of the eyeper test | ₹1,000 | ₹800 – ₹1,500 |
| Retina specialist consultationper visit | ₹500 | ₹500 – ₹1,500 |
Spectra prices are those published by Spectra Eye Hospital. Kolkata ranges are indicative 2026 ranges across private eye hospitals in the city. Your final cost depends on the eye, the medicine, and the gas, oil or lens used, and is given to you in writing before any procedure.
Cashless and government schemes
Retina specialists for retinal detachment surgery
Dr. Subhajit Das
MBBS, DO, MS (Ophthalmology), FICO, FMRF
25+ years in medical and surgical retina, 7,500+ retinal procedures, vitreo-retina fellowship at Sankara Nethralaya (FMRF), ZEISS trained.
- Retinal detachment surgery
- Vitrectomy
- Scleral buckle
- Anti-VEGF injections
Dr. Aniruddha Maiti
MBBS, DO, DNB, FVRS, FICO, MRCS (Edinburgh), FACS
10,000+ vitreo-retinal operations since 2008, former Head of Retina at Susrut Eye Foundation, ASRS Honor Award recipient.
- Macular hole & ERM surgery
- Complex retinal detachment
- Diabetic vitrectomy
- Anti-VEGF & Ozurdex
Dr. Bishwanath Dutta Chowdhury
MBBS, DO, DNB, VR Fellowship
Fellowship-trained retina surgeon at Madhyamgram for retinal detachment, diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration.
- Retina & vitreous surgery
- Diabetic retinopathy
- Macular degeneration
- Uveitis
Frequently asked questions
What is the cost of retinal detachment surgery in Kolkata?
At Spectra Eye Hospital it starts from ₹22,000–25,000 per eye. Across private hospitals in Kolkata the usual range is ₹40,000 to ₹1,50,000, depending on technique, gas or silicone oil, and whether cataract surgery is combined. You get a written estimate before surgery.
How urgent is retinal detachment surgery?
Very urgent. If the centre of the retina is still attached, surgery is usually done within 24 to 72 hours to keep it that way. Call the same day you notice a curtain, flashes or a shower of floaters.
Is retinal detachment surgery covered by CGHS, WBHS or insurance?
Yes. Spectra is empanelled with CGHS, WBHS, ESI and other schemes, and accepts cashless insurance through major TPAs. Bring your card and a photo ID.
What is the success rate?
In most uncomplicated detachments the retina is reattached with one operation in about 85 to 90 percent of eyes, and with further surgery in over 95 percent. Visual result depends mainly on whether the macula was detached and for how long.
Can I travel by air after surgery?
Not while there is a gas bubble in the eye, which usually lasts 2 to 8 weeks. Flying or travelling to the hills with gas in the eye can raise the eye pressure dangerously. Silicone oil does not have this restriction.
Will I need a second surgery?
If silicone oil was used, it is usually removed after about 3 months. A small number of eyes re-detach and need another procedure.
Related
Written by the retina team at Spectra Eye Hospital. Last updated 22 October 2026. This page explains common situations and is not a substitute for an eye examination.