Retinal Detachment Monterey
Board-Certified Retina Specialist with 30+ Years of Experience
Dr. Del Piero is fellowship-trained in retina and vitreous care
Advanced diagnostics for rapid, accurate detection
Full range of surgical and non-surgical treatments
Offices in Monterey, Salinas, and King City
Expert Care From Dr. Eric J. Del Piero Board-Certified Retina Specialist
Dr. Del Piero is a board-certified ophthalmologist who has been in practice for more than 30 years. He is a fellowship-trained retina and vitreous specialist, meaning he stays up-to-date on all the technological and surgical advancements in ophthalmology. With Dr. Del Piero's experience and continued education, he is our expert on retinal diseases and was even named Monterey County Physician of the Year in 2006 and 2007 by his peers.
With timely care, Dr. Del Piero can diagnose and treat your retinal detachment or retinal tear before it leads to permanent vision loss. When you choose Monterey County Eye Associates, you are choosing top-quality treatment for your vision from a seasoned, respected professional.
“He's got the precision of a professional artist sculpting a statue”
“Dr. Del Piero is a pro…You can tell how much of an Elite eye doctor he is by the way he handles your eye. He's got the precision of a professional artist sculpting a statue.”
— E R, 5-star review
Why Choosing the Right Retina Specialist Protects Your Vision
As with any medical procedure, retinal detachment treatments carry some risk. We do not relay the following possibilities to scare you, but rather to reinforce the fact that choosing a board-certified expert like Dr. Del Piero for your care can help avoid complications.
He can deliver optimal treatment while minimizing the following surgical risks:
- Revision Surgery: Approximately 5% of retinal detachment surgery patients require a second surgery.
- Elevated Pressure: Surgery can increase eye pressure, which can lead to glaucoma.
- Attachment Failure: It is possible for the retina to not attach properly or to become detached again.
- Infection or Bleeding: Some retinal detachment surgeries can lead to harmful eye infections or bleeding.
Advanced Treatment Options to Restore and Protect Your Retina
Our Monterey County practice offers several options for retinal detachment treatment. Depending on the severity, Dr. Del Piero will provide one of these treatments:
Photocoagulation
Photocoagulation uses a highly precise laser to create scar tissue on the retina. This scar tissue acts like surgical staples that can seal retinal tears and reattach the patient's retina in its proper position.
Cryopexy
Cryopexy uses similar principles as photocoagulation, but, rather than a laser, intense cold from a freezing probe is used to repair the torn retina. The probe is held against the wall of the patient's eye, next to the retinal detachment or tear. This freezing probe creates scar tissue that can hold the retina in place and seal retinal tears. The probe may have to be used in several different places depending on the severity of the tears.
Pneumatic Retinopexy
Pneumatic retinopexy uses an air or gas bubble that is injected into the vitreous to push the detached retina back into position. As the gas bubble expands, it pushes against the detached retina and forces it to the back of the eye, causing the retina to flatten. The gas bubble will eventually be absorbed by the body. After gas bubble absorption, cryopexy is then used to mend the damaged retinal tissue.
Scleral Buckle Surgery
The sclera is the white portion of the eye. During scleral buckle surgery, Dr. Del Piero attaches a small piece of rubber or sponge to the sclera, creating an indentation on the surface of the eye. This buckling can relieve the tugging of the vitreous on a person's retinal tissue. In some cases, this added support can allow the retina to reattach to the surrounding tissue.
Vitrectomy
A vitrectomy involves the removal of the vitreous gel within the eye. This allows Dr. Del Piero better access to the retina to make the repairs and allows him to see any other retinal tears or issues. Removing the vitreous can also relieve pressure within the eye and allow the retina to reattach itself. After the repairs have been made, the vitreous is replaced with gas or silicone oil to hold the retina in place until the body naturally replenishes the fluid.
Timely Treatment Can Save Your Vision Contact Our Practice Today
Your vision is too important to delay retinal treatment. Our experienced staff is here to help you through the entire process. Depending on your needs, our compassionate team can schedule you an emergency appointment and Dr. Del Piero can provide you with immediate care to prevent any permanent changes in your vision.
If you are showing any signs or symptoms of retinal detachment, contact our practice today.
“Professional, thorough and friendly”
“Very professional, thorough and friendly Doctors and staff. Dr. Del Piero and staff took the time to explain what was going on in my eye. I will not hesitate recommending his practice to friends based on my experience. He also came highly recommended from others professionals in the medical field who had family use his practice.”
— Mark K, 5-star review
Insurance Covers Retinal Detachment Treatment
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Retinal detachment is a serious emergency that can cause irreversible blindness if left untreated. Do not let concerns about cost lead you to neglect your sight. As treatment is considered medically necessary, your insurance will cover your care. We maintain flexibility in all financial matters so our patients can get the treatment they need.
What to Expect During a Retinal Detachment Diagnosis
Both your eyes will be examined even if you are only experiencing symptoms in one eye.
If retinal detachment is detected, it will be treated immediately.
Recognize Retinal Detachment as a Vision-Threatening Emergency
If you experience flashes, floaters, or dark spots in your vision, it's crucial that you schedule an appointment as soon as possible. The fastest way to get in touch is by calling us. We have offices in Monterey, Salinas, and King City.
How Retinal Detachment Develops and Affects Your Vision
Understanding Retinal Detachment: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options
Retinal detachment occurs when your retina pulls away from its usual position and separates itself from the blood vessels that supply it with oxygen and nourishment. The longer this condition goes without proper treatment, the higher your risk of blindness. Contact our Monterey, CA, practice to get treatment from Dr. Del Piero, our retina specialist. We have ophthalmology offices in Monterey, Salinas, and King City.
Are You a High-Risk Patient? Call Our Monterey Practice Today
If you are at an increased risk of retinal detachment due to previous cataract surgery, family history, a high-risk eye condition, or another factor, and are not currently under an eye doctor's care, contact our Monterey practice. Our caring and experienced team can monitor your ocular health during routine exams, and we will be able to get you in quickly and act effectively to preserve your eyesight if you suffer from retinal detachment. We have offices in Monterey, Salinas, and King City.
An emergency situation requires the care of a trained and experienced ophthalmology team. Contact our Monterey, CA, practice at the first sign of symptoms:
The Different Types of Retinal Detachment and What Causes Them
Rhegmatogenous
The most common type of retinal detachment, rhegmatogenous detachment, is caused by the vitreous gel in the eye getting behind a tear in the retina and pushing the retina until it detaches.
Tractional
Tractional detachment is when retinal scar tissue pulls away from the back of the eye. This form of detachment is common among people who've had type 1 or type 2 diabetes for many years.
Exudative
Exudative detachment occurs when fluid accumulates behind the retina and pushes it free without a tear in the retina. This may be the result of eye trauma, inflammation, or advanced age.
Retinal Detachment Repair Has a High Success Rate
According to data compiled by the American Society of Retinal Specialists, retinal detachment repair is successful in approximately 90% of cases.
Contact Our Monterey County Practice for Fast, Effective Retinal Detachment Treatment
Our Monterey, CA, practice is equipped to handle every retinal issue, no matter how severe. With our broad scope of treatment options, you can be sure you are getting the best quality care to handle your specific issue. Our practice prides itself on using the most sophisticated eye surgery technology available. Our staff serving patients throughout Monterey County is fluent in English and Spanish.
If you are concerned for your eye health and vision, contact our office in Monterey, CA, to learn more about our treatment options.
“Completely satisfied”
“It is the first time that my husband and I visited Dr del Piero, they are all very professional, the doctor has a lot of experience, we are completely satisfied with his professionalism.”
— Felisa G., 5-star review
Why Some Patients Require Face-Down Recovery
Our treatments are tailored to each patient's needs. After your procedure, we will provide personalized recovery guidelines for you. In certain cases, a face-down recovery is necessary. As the name implies, this type of recovery requires you to maintain a face-down position for a few days after your procedure, and in some cases for more than a week.
This is required because lying face down allows the gas bubble to float into its proper position, develop retinal pressure, and foster a proper reattachment. A face-down position helps your eye fluid to naturally refill, eventually leading to a total disappearance of the bubble.
Face-down recovery does not mean you will have to lay on your stomach constantly. Rather, it means you will have to keep your face tilted downward during any activity, such as while standing, eating, or walking.
Supportive Care to Improve Life After Retinal Detachment
There are measures you can take to help aid your sight if you have suffered any degree of permanent vision loss due to retinal detachment:
Taking certain steps in your home can help ensure your safety while you adjust. Simple measures like brightening your home, taping down corners of rugs, and putting colored tape on the edge of steps can all help you navigate your home with ease.
For mild to moderate vision changes after retinal detachment, glasses or contact lenses could be enough to strengthen your vision. Your ophthalmologist or optometrist can find the prescription that suits your new needs.
Voice-assisted technology for reading books, computer screens, and phone screens can help you with your digital work and communication. Installing motion-activated lights in your home is another technology some visually impaired people find useful.
Frequently Asked Questions About Retinal Detachment
Can a detached retina heal itself?
No. A detached retina must be repaired by an experienced professional to ensure you do not lose your vision. Waiting to seek treatment can lead to blindness.
If my retina is detached, can I still see?
No. A completely detached retina will cause vision loss. Most people can still see clearly during the beginning stages of this condition. However, as it progresses, more symptoms will appear and vision loss will continue to get worse.
How long can my retina be detached before I permanently lose vision?
It depends on the severity. A retinal detachment can cause a patient to lose vision in a matter of days. Most retinal detachments occur suddenly and can affect a patient's vision within hours or days.
If you or a loved one are experiencing symptoms of retinal detachment, call us to arrange to see our doctor as soon as possible.
Other Retinal Conditions We Treat in Monterey, Salinas, and King City
Macular Degeneration
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of vision loss in people 60 years old and older. The condition involves the gradual deterioration of the macula (the central portion of the retina) and its blood vessels. AMD often presents no initial symptoms, though eventually causes blurry vision, dark or blurry spots in your central vision, and diminished color perception.
Although macular degeneration is incurable, lifestyle and dietary changes can slow its progression if caught early. For more advanced cases of AMD, treatments include medication and laser therapy.
Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy is a diabetes-related condition in which the blood vessels that nourish the retina become blocked. The eye responds by growing new blood vessels, but these new blood vessels grow abnormally. Without treatment, the blood vessels can leak into the retina, resulting in vision loss.
For early-stage non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR), lifestyle changes and non-invasive techniques may be sufficient for managing the disease. For advanced or proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR), surgery may be necessary to prevent blindness.
