A 35-year-old Filipina cashier had long suspected an issue with her right eye but initially dismissed it as insignificant — until everyday tasks became increasingly challenging. "For three to four months, straightforward activities such as reading prices and engaging with customers were becoming arduous," Angellica Batallones recounted. When she realized her vision was limited to just one meter, she sought medical advice.
Despite consulting various clinics in Ajman, she was informed that her condition was severe and required treatment in the Philippines. "It was disheartening because I received vague responses," she shared with Khaleej Times. Eventually, Batallones was diagnosed with 'retinal detachment' at a hospital, where doctors identified a potential hole or tear in her retina as the cause. The medical team proposed a 'scleral buckling' surgery coupled with laser therapy to rectify the problem.
At Thumbay Hospital Ajman, a doctor swiftly identified the issue with her eyes and provided precise explanations. "He promptly arranged the procedure to prevent further damage to my eyes. His timely intervention was critical; otherwise, I could have faced total vision loss," Batallones noted. Retinal detachment happens when the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye, separates from its usual position. This can result from various factors including age, eye injuries, genetic predisposition, previous eye surgeries, or extreme nearsightedness.
Batallones' doctor described the gradual progression of retinal detachment, starting with blurred vision and advancing to a one-meter sight limit. "The four-month duration since the detachment began led to atrophic changes in the retina, where cell degeneration occurred. This weakened the retina's structure and function, complicating the surgical approach and raising the risk of re-detachment," explained Dr. Kapil Das, an ophthalmologist at Thumbay Hospital Ajman. He detailed the non-drainage scleral buckle procedure used, which avoids draining fluid under the retina, differing from conventional methods.
"Draining the fluid typically helps flatten the retina for easier reattachment. However, in this case, avoiding fluid drainage was chosen to prevent potential complications like low intraocular pressure or choroidal detachment," Das stated. "The laser treatment further stabilizes the retina by forming adhesions around the tear, ensuring its stability and reducing the risk of future detachment." Post-surgery, Batallones' retina stabilized well. She has regained her vision and can now read without difficulty.
"The recovery was painful, and I was anxious about whether my eyes would normalize. It's been nearly two weeks, and my vision has improved greatly. Previously, I could hardly see people or objects at close range, but there's been a significant improvement, and now I can see everything clearly," she expressed. Dr. Das emphasized the importance of early intervention in such cases. "If there's a sudden or gradual loss of vision, especially with symptoms like flashes of light or floaters, seek immediate medical care. Timely treatment can significantly enhance outcomes and prevent severe vision loss," he advised.
