Retinal detachments constitute an emergency ocular condition when the neurosensory retina separates from the retinal pigment epithelium, leading to the death of the tissue. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential to avoid significant morbidity, including vision loss and/or blindness associated with this condition. This case report describes the author\'s challenging journey from a non-ophthalmologist perspective through the terrifying experience of bilateral rhegmatogenous retinal detachments involving seven surgical procedures prior to return to full clinical function.

BACKGROUND: Giant retinal tear is usually challenging among retinal detachment with recurrent rate up to 45%. Here we presented a case of giant retinal tear being treated by microincision vitrectomy and retinal tacks fixation.
METHODS: A 53-year-old male presented to our hospital with blurred vision of his right eye for one week with floaters and obscured sensation over nasal visual field. Ocular examination showed a 120 degree giant tear with large inverted flap and retinal detachment of his right eye. The BCVA was only naming digit. Under the impression of giant retinal tear with retinal detachment, 23-gauge pars plana vitrectomy were performed using Constellation high speed vitrectomy system and Topcon non-contact wide angle viewing system. During surgery, the vitreous was removed and perfluorocarbon liquids (PFCL) was injected to help unfolding the large inverted retinal flap. Three retinal tacks were applied to help fixating the large inverted retinal flap. Then, fluid-gas exchange, endolaser photocoagulation and intraocular silicone oil tamponade were performed as well. Initial reattachment of his right retina was achieved and his best corrected visual acuity improved to 0.3 of his right eye postoperatively. There was no recurrent retinal detachment during follow up period of 19 months.
CONCLUSIONS: Primary microincision vitrectomy using wide-angle viewing system with intraoperative perfluorocarbon liquids (PFCL) assistant, retinal tacks fixation and intraocular silicone oil tamponade appears to be safe and feasible for managing giant retinal tear with retinal detachment.