After preventative laser treatment for thinning retina

[BasiaM]

I will be going in to repair some thinning and tears in the retina in both eyes. I would also like to get new glasses as mine are out of date, and I thought it would be better to have them done before the treatment. Is it likely that I may experience a change in vision as a result of the treatment? I have experienced a minor change in vision as a result of the retinal thinning but a barely noticable amount (contact perscription in left eye went from -2.75 to -3.00) Any information would be great!

[JohnHaganMD]

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[falconxiao]

Clearly the post is 8yrs old.
However, for am updated answer to those seeking information in 2016, there is a temporary vision change from the drops used to dilate the eye. It can last for a hours after getting laser for this. I had the same procedure done just 12hours ago. I also had nausea and motion sickness for 8hours after. Experienced minor eye discomfort, light sensitivity and was overall in an irritable mood. Better to get it than not.

[vin88]

As always thanks for  your prompt reply, Dr. Hagan

I would certainly ask these questions when I meet my Retina specialist, meanwhile can you answer the question # 5, isn't it a fairly general question, there is no history of retinal detachments in my family although there are couple of cases of high myopia

Thanks again

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

You ask good questions that are not "stock" answers. Each answer will depend on having a good look at your retina and family history  
Only your eye MD surgeon can answer these questions for you. Ask him/her

JCH MD

[vin88]

Hello,

I am facing similar problem with my eyes, my prescription is -9.5 and -10.0 D

4 months ago I did have a hole and a tear in retina which were promptly lasered. But a few days back during a routine check up my retina specialist found thin areas in the inferior retina with a few holes, she suggested extensive laser along the inferior retina. with this background i have following questions

1. Is laser treatment required as it is inferior retina and there is impact of gravity to prevent accumulation of vitreous behind retina ?

2. This is not 360 laser, my retina doc only advised for laser along the inferior retina, are any serious side effects possible (like macular pucker) ? what are their chances ?

3. does retina not stabilize when overall eye sight stabilizes ? I am 25 years old and my eye sight is stable for 3-4 years now, but when would changes in retina stabilize ? as in PVD only creates tears but retinal thinning happens without PVD does such changes in retina not stabilize ?

4. How many such treatments can a retina bear ?

5. I am little scared about my future, if i make sure to get promptly treated in case of symptoms of holes / tears / lattice what are my long terms changes of reasonably good vision ?

Thanks in advance

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

No most lasers do not leave blind spots when placed in the peripheral retina where tears are most prone to occur (vitreous base)

Your second questions can only be answered by your ophthalmologist.

JCH MD

[stn2011]

Thank you very much for your prompt answer I am a bit relieve now.
But, i still want to confirm two things from your answers.

In your answer
4. Most thin areas occur in the peripheral retina that is NOT used for everyday sight and very few people are aware of any blurred spots post laser.

Do you mean that ALL laser spot will leave a blind spot in my eye sight post laser? In that case, my eye sight is pretty normal. After laser, i will have disadvantage of a blind spot in certain areas. The advantage is i would reduce my risk of retine detachment.


5. As a generalization laser treatment of lattice, holes, thin areas, tears is NOT ultra-serious and carries with no where near the risks of the eye having a retinal detachment.

a. Does it mean that holes would bring low risk to cause retina detachment?
b. In my case, it is not torn yet only thinning with potential of tearing. That's why 2 doctors advised me to take a laser prevention. (which i am scared of having blind spot all my life).
c. Or, are you saying that retina thinning (not hole) still have low risk of retinal detachment?

thanks for your answer.

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

1. The risk of permanent blindness with laser is extremely remote. There is often disagreement among highly trained and experienced ophthalmologists about which holes, tears, lattice (thin areas) need to be treated.
2. Only a Eye MD looking in your eye with special instruments could give an opinion about whether you need treatment or not.
3. If these Eye MDs were in the same practice it may not have been a completely independent 2nd opinion. If they were both qualified, not affiliated then you have two confirmatory opinions which is good enough for most people. If you are still unsure get a third opinion.
4. Most thin areas occur in the peripheral retina that is NOT used for everyday sight and very few people are aware of any blurred spots post laser.

5. As a generalization laser treatment of lattice, holes, thin areas, tears is NOT ultra-serious and carries with no where near the risks of the eye having a retinal detachment.

JCH MD

[stn2011]

No symptoms, but doctor diagnose me of thinning retina and need immediate laser

Dear all,
I have just been diagnosed of thinning retina. In order to confirm it, I went to another doctor (in Indonesia). Both doctors said the same thing and prescribe me to get a laser treatment for a preventive action of retinal thorn even though my minus in both eyes are just 3.75.

Actually, I have no complaints or discomfort in my eyes. I went to the (first) doctor was to have a regular check up. I did experience many floaters but it was temporary perhaps about less than a month. Now, when I realize this, I try to notice if there are floaters in my sights, I can say these amount of floaters have been all my life. I don’t notice any increase of floaters. I never experience any flashes before.

Questions:
1. How serious if indeed what those two doctors said about my thinning retina if I don’t go for a laser treatment (because I am afraid of the failure of the surgery which can cause permanent blindness)?
2. As laser coagulation will create blind spot in the concerning area, can I delay this preventive action as I have no complaints about my eyesights?


thanks

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

In the USA and most developed countries IOLs are made to high quality. Some like ReZoom, ReStor and Crystalens have problems with dysphotopsia but that is not due to manufacturer problems.

Get a second opinion if you surgeon can't give you answers

JCH MD

[chewch]

Is it possible that a  hard lens that has been used after cateract removal can be faulty? My vision has changed so drastically--can only see parts of very large print--middle of words disappear. MK

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

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[BasiaM]

Thanks!

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

retinal thinning does NOT cause changes in the vision. Changes in the vision could come from glasses, cataracts or macula/optic nerve problems.

You should be able to get glasses before, after or during your laser therapy.

JCH MD