Flashing lights after retinal detachment surgery

[lez9321]

I had retinal detachment surgery just over a week ago now.  A few days ago I started getting flashing lights again (same as the ones I got prior to surgery) at the top corner of my eye.  This started with a few flashes so I went to see my surgeon who checked my eye and said it all looked ok.  But now 4 days later the flashing is on and off all day.  Is this normal? I phoned my local hospital and they said they would see me at the eye clinic on wednesday but I'm worried sick that - a) I have another detachment or b) I will always have these lights flashing and just have to put up with it.  Can you please tell me why I would be getting these lights? and am I right to be worried sick?

I would love to hear from anyone else who's gone through the same thing.

[sammajam999]

I also have that green light at top corner 1 oclock. It is green flash.  When I go to the dark place the green light shine on the left eye and it is not clear or sharp enough.  Please let me know that the green light will go away when.  I have surgery for 19 days.   Does anyone can tell me when it is going to be Ok.  I am very worry about this.

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

If you had EYE SURGERY, you need to call the surgeon immediately. If not Eye Surgery, you need to seee an ophthalmologist Eye MD soon for a completed exam with dilation of pupils and special tests like OCT

[sajsan]

Posting on this forum after 8 yrs. Long history - 2007 had a tear in right eye - cryo/gas done. Took 6 months to stablise and then a small area of schish developed on bottom left periphery.  Finally got cataract surgery done to remediate the induced cataract from 2007 past June.

cataract surgery went ok. Some floaters (dots). Vision was excellent but PCO set in.  i noticed flashes between 4-7 o'clock which were very severe; went for check and was told it was related to older vitreous left over from 2007; nothing of concern.

Anyway, 2 weeks+ went to see regular scheduled followup, retina specialist said a detached area was present where the schish was - 2 small breaks spotted.  He performed a laser barrier around the area of detachment between 6 oclock and 8oclock and sealed off the breaks.

First 10 days went quiet over christmas period; then noticed lot of vitreous strands.  - long strands like they have been dislodged; two in main vision.   Hope it is nothing of consequence; i dont see any loss of vision or gray or even flashes.  I see the laser shadow in less light condition.

Can barrier laser induce such changes?

[sajsan]

btw... have a followup in 12 days to see if this has worked.  But feel may be gas was more prudent in hindsight.

[JohnHaganMD]

First gas or air does not work well for inferior RD, holes, tears or retinschesis. Gas/air for superior problems or macula holes.  Generally laser doe NOT induce vitreous floaters however many patients and people posting here not light reflexes projected 180 degrees away from the treatment in your case superiorly. It's likely a shifting of the vitreous was what caused the holes and the subsequent vitreous strands.  Good luck.

[sajsan]

Many thanks John.  It has been a cat and mouse game.  Hopefully keeping anxiety levels ok.  Also there was some perfluron drops left from 10 yrs back; the cataract surgery disturbed where they had settled; some smaller drops got stuck in these strands and one ignores those.

May I ask your thoughts/suggestion on PCO in this particular eye.  The cataract surgeon suggested Yag procedure to remediate - vision went up to 20/20 from 20/45 pre-op (post vitrectomy cataract); but dropped back to 20/30.  Driving has become a challenge at night.

COnsidering the challenge with settling of the barrier; what would be a good guideline to wait before resolving PCO.  I am 48yrs old and in good health.

[JohnHaganMD]

I believe I'm interpreting correct this is the eye that just had the laser and has NOT had a yag laser capsulotomy for PCO.   That being the case I believe the retina surgeon would want to wait a couple of months for the laser scars to secure.  Suggest you ask the retina surgeon if and when a yag laser can be done.  And if any other areas of the retina need treated for prevention. The yac capsulotomy will increase the risk of a RD or hole/tear.  Only your retina surgeon can tell you by what %.  This is how I handle these cases:  1. Have retina surgeon see patient, examine retina, treat anything that needs treated  2. Get permission from retina surgeon. 3. Give extended informed consent to patient  4. I do yag laser and check pressure one hour after treatment , see the patient next day and do glasses test and examine the retina. 5. have the retina doctor check the patient's retina one week after laser as the retina can be seen better also. 6. Retina doctor will tell patient when next retina exam should be done.

[sajsan]

Yes, this is absolutely correct understanding.  When the cataract surgeon wanted to get the Yag done, i had asked him to wait until I get green light from retina surgeon which was last 2 weeks but of course it turned out to have 2 smaller breaks.

I never understood superior/inferior nomenclature.  For example, the barrier was placed as i look out between 6 o'clock and 8 o'clock position; in the back, it would be at 12 o'clock and 3 o'clock - I had to look out to the top right and he did the scleral push while doing the barrier.

I will definitely keep you posted on how it turns out when i visit him in Toronto.

[JohnHaganMD]

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[JohnHaganMD]

Superior  is up, inferior is down, nasal is towards nose, temporal is towards ear. Described portions of retina.  Air and gas rise so they will press against RD or hole superior but move away from hole or RD inferior. Thus gas/air used for superior RD and macular problems but not inferior problems.

[sajsan]

Thank you Dr John.  He was lasering when i was looking towards the top of the ear.

Something odd I did notice post barrier and kept notes of progress - i find it helpful when i visit the specialist again. Looking straight,  a small bright arc which appears to be more brighter; above arc is shimmering - like a curtain, no shadow in that region or change in vision (placing hand);  May be it is just left over from changes in the vitreous that are happening.

[JohnHaganMD]

Remember that lights generated by laser or freezing (cryotherapy) are projected 180 away from treated area.  Inferior treatment will project superiorly.

[sajsan]

Absolutely John.  I do have a followup with the cataract specialist on Wednesday and next week with Retina surgeon.  One side effect of the cataract surgery was negative dysphotophesia; the lense used was BNL MX60 Enviste. I have learnt to ignore the shadow.  I asked the surgeon if getting a replacement lense was an option; he ruled against it given i had vitrectomy but instead to put in a piggy back lense.  Given the challenges now with another RD as you had noted best course is to stay put until stablised and then opt for YAG once everything is quiet.
Once again, much appreciated with all this forum has assisted us.

[JohnHaganMD]

best of luck

[sajsan]

hello John.
Visited both caratact and retina surgeon. Flourscene was done as well to check for any csr as some light shadow was seen. i had this happen before 9 yrs back after multiple lasering.  No new holes and barrier is holding well and has taken.  You were correct John, when the barrage was done, vitreous strands in the peripheral region got broken and moved and shifted; hopefully those should settle; but one major strand and is just off blind spot and clumping to retina; and another strand is also attached going to the 5'oclock position; i can see ---- and blackish streaking when moving left or right.  That is area which retina surgeon said hopefully either releases the traction itself or could induce a new tear;  i go back in 9 weeks and he is going to repeat the dye test and check that region of traction.  John, i had dye test before i could take it; this time it hit me pretty hard - nausea.  Normally i go there as fasting.

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

I'm happy that a cause seems to have been found.  Ask your retina ophthalmologist about whether its a good idea to fast before having Fluoro Angiogram.

[BK2018]

Hi ! I had retina detachment surgery in right eye with gas filling 9 weeks back. Recovery was progressing well. Yesterday night, while going towards wash room in dark I banged my forehead above right eye on the wall. It was a bad hit resulting in a bump on the forehead. Now I see occasional flashing of light on right eye. Otherwise the eye is as it was before the banging. I am worried; should I visit my doctor? Would appreciate kind response.

[JohnHaganMD]

You should at least call your surgeon and speak to the physician on call.  It is not likely that you have done any damage but the surgeon needs to be informed.

[BK2018]

Thanks John! I am much relieved.

[JohnHaganMD]

Hope the news is good, best of luck

[BK2018]

Thanks John; everything is good.
A related query - I under went cateract surgery (phaco) on both eyes when I was 41 year old. Now I am 54 yrs and had RD in right eye 9 weeks back. Is it likely I may face similar problem in left eye in near future? If so what precautions I should take? In the forum there are many queries related to RD surgery subsequently leading to cateract. In the reverse case of first cateract and later after some years RD surgery, can the IOL be affected?
I shall much appreciate your kind reply.

[JohnHaganMD]

Yes your left eye is at high risk of RD as the biggest risk factor for RD in one eye is RD in the other. Depending on a variety of things especially how nearsighted your eyes were prior to surgery the risk can be as high as 5-10%.   See a comprehensive ophthalmologist and a retinal ophthalmologist yearly. Avoid trauma to the eye, wear proper eye protection, avoid contact sports and violent amusement park rides, live a healthy lifestyle.   Except in the most unusual cases the IOL is not affected by RD surgery but the operation (if scleral buckle) can change the glasses RX and if the macula is off with RD it can affect the best vision even if RD fixed.

[BK2018]

Thanks John for the detailed reply. Yes, I am myopic - wearing glasses of -4.5 D before cateract surgery and -1.5 after. I shall follow your advices to a T. Thanks again!

[JohnHaganMD]

Best of luck.

[BK2018]

Hi John! I am back seeking your kind advice. A quick update - Yesterday visited my surgeon and the right eye with RD surgery is recovering well. He has also stopped the drops Cosopt used for pressure regulation. On the left eye, he did laser retinopexy to treat weak spots and asked me for checkup after 8 weeks. My query - any special care to be taken post laser retinopexy? The doctor has not advised any medication etc. he even advised getting back to work same day if I am comfortable. Look forward to your kind reply.

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

I've posted this before: Avoid trauma to the head, eyes, body.  e.g. contact sports, wear eye protection for things like mowing yard, live healthy lifestyle, don't use any nicotine products/cannabis, if you drink alcohol do so in moderation, have annual eye exam, avoid amusement park 'thrill' rides. don't stand on your head (yoga)

[BK2018]

Thanks John for your prompt advice!

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

Live long and prosper. (Spock)

[BK2018]

Hi John! It has been four months now since my RD surgery on right eye. Medications are stopped since over 2 weeks. Inside of eye feels normal (I had six stitches), vision is normal. Still I feel a kind of inward pull surrounding the eye, especially below the eye - near orbital rim and on side of eye - near lateral orbital wall. The pull feeling is almost all the time. Is this normal post surgery? Anything to be worried about? Second query - Does frequent dilation of eye cause any long term negative effect? I was contemplating getting checkup by comprehensive ophthalmologist to be sure that everything is ok post surgery as a second opinion. Look forward to your kind reply.

[JohnHaganMD]

Frequent dilation do not cause any problems.  RD surgery involves putting traction sutures on the eye muscles and pulling and pushing them in different directions. Thus severe problems such as double vision are not rare. So your pulling could be due to all the strain. Generally gets better over time and if no double vision now doesn’t develop.  You might see a comprehensive Eye MD as you might need glasses or a change in glasses. If you had a sclera buckle that almost always changes glasses RX

[BK2018]

Thanks John! I don't have double vision. Also with my original glasses the vision is just as it was before surgery. I did not have sclera buckle. On advice of surgeon, I had stopped medication for eye pressure (cosopt drops) two weeks ago. I am worried if eye pressure has gone up.

[JohnHaganMD]

Only by having your surgeon measure IOP can you tell if it is elevated. Suggest you can her/him

[BK2018]

Thanks John for your kind reply. Will get checked asap.

[JohnHaganMD]

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[BK2018]

Hi John! Returning to the forum after five months for your kind help. It is now more than 9 months since the RD surgery in the right eye, mostly all is ok. Only thing that is bothering me is the pulling sensation below eye on right side at one specific spot which is still there. My doctor says all is ok with the eye and that the stitches etc. is all healed up. He believes it is my head that is imaging and I should forget it. I know it is not my imagination and it is real. This location could possibly be where the local anesthesia was injected for the surgery. Is it possible that some tissue or cells have got affected by the needle during injection and this is the cause for the pulling feeling? I seek your kind reply if this is a possibility and if so could it be a serious matter?
Look forward to your kind response; best regards

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

Pain around and behind the eye is common after RD surgery especially if 'scleral buckle" done.  If due to RD surgery or injection at 9 months you should be seeing significant improvement. If your surgeon says not to worry and your vision is restored i would move on unless it got worse or some new symptom developed.

[BK2018]

Thanks John for the prompt response. I am much relieved seeing your reply.
Yes, the vision is restored fully and thankfully no new symptoms.
Such sergeries cause lot of anxity. Your response in the forum to all our queries have been a soothing balm calming our nerves and face situation with positivity. You are doing a wonderful service to humanity and may God bless you abundantly!

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

Thank you happy to help.

[BK2018]

Hi John! Returning to the forum after 6 months for your kind advice. It's been 15 months since my RD surgery in right eye. Everything is ok but for the eye pressure which remains high. The pressure is controlled with a drop of Timosan one time per day. After various observations, my surgeon has concluded I have to continue Timosan eye drop for rest of my life. I would like to ask you is there any long term adverse effect of using Timosan. Are there any other ways to bring down eye pressure, for example by diet or excersise? Look forward to your kind reply.

[JohnHaganMD]

Diet and exercise will not lower the IOP for sustained effect (exercise lowers IOP but not low/long enough for therapy)  Timosan is weak beta blocker. Read the package insert.  Side effects are possible with beta blocker (BB) but on such a low dose most people tolerate it well.  Side effects include wheezing, chronic cough, low blood pressure, slow pulse, reduced exercise tolerance,  nasal discharge.  As with any medicine most people don't have these problems.  There are 5 other types of glaucoma medications but they all have possible side effects. If its working and you are not having side effects then no reason to stop just watch for the side effects. Read the package insert every time you get a new bottle.

[BK2018]

Thank you John for the prompt reply. I am using Timosan  regularly for six months now and I have not felt any discomfort so far. My surgeon did try to see effect by stopping for two weeks recently but IOP shoots up alarmingly. So back to continuing the drops. Thanks once again for your valuable advices.

[JohnHaganMD]

Best of luck.

[Velez_123]

Do you know if it’s going to go away?? and should I let my doctor know???

[JohnHaganMD]

If its new I would let your surgeon know away. Most people posting here glare does go away over time

[Velez_123]

My retina detached from my left eye I had surgery now 13 days later I keep seeing a glare in my left eye on and off  throughout  The day what does that mean and is it normal

[JohnHaganMD]

That is a common complaint after many types of eye surgery including retina surgery but its not possible to tell you what it means.

[JohnHaganMD]

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[KG12345]

Is it possible for the retina to re-detach while you have an oil bubble in the eye. Since my above post I had 2 additional surgeries on the left eye, the first with longer lasting gas bubble on 6/6. After ~6 weeks it redetached again so then had a oil bubble put in on 7/22. The macula hole has not closed and my retina surgeon has told me he does not think it ever will. Also learned I have PVR in the eye. Regained some peripheral vision towards the left which I have been grateful for. When last saw surgeon at end of September retina attached in all quadrants and though macula hole not closed there was no fluid at all under the retina. Now since Friday I have darkness in the eye. If I'm outside in bright sunlight I do still have some faint vision but indoors in nonbright light I see barely anything. I am planning to call my retina surgeon's office first thing tomorrow morning but just wondering if it's even possible that it has detached since it has oil in it? I thought it was practically impossible for it to with the oil but concerned that since I still have hole in macula that somehow the oil may have gotten behind the retina?

[JohnHaganMD]

Unfortunately it is possible for the retina to detach even if sclera buckle or gas or oil.

[KG12345]

Thanks for answering back. Although hoping for a different answer I suspected that it was possible. As I said will be calling my surgeon's office in the morning. Appreciate this forum. I'm going to stay focused on being thankful that my other eye is stable. I have been back to work for the past 2 months, driving, and living life fairly normally with the one good eye during these months. Of course I want to preserve as much vision as I can in the left eye but know that one can still have a full and happy life with just one eye.

[JohnHaganMD]

Protect the good eye from injury. Have it examined at least yearly by an eye MD with a dilated pupil exam. Live a healthy lifestyle, don't smoke, eat a good diet, avoid acitivities associated with eye injuries and consider wearing glasses for protection even if the good eye not need a prescription lens, don't smoke or use nicotine or cannabis, don't get obese.

[KG12345]

Thank you, Dr. Hagan, for your words of advice. Luckily I'm not a smoker and will do my best to follow the rest. Turns out the retina did detach again even wth the oil in, from 9 o'clock to 3 o'clock, and macula hole still there (which was not unexpected news) with new scar tissue apparently pulling on the retina. So retina surgery #6 is scheduled for tomorrow. He did take a look at my other eye to reassure me that all is OK with it, and fortunately it is stable. He said no signs of PVR in that eye. Thanks again for your words of advice.

[KG12345]

I don't know why there are extra characters but I had written "Luckily I'm not a smoker" and "from 9 o'clock to 3 o'clock"

[JohnHaganMD]

Best of luck with both eyes.

[JohnHaganMD]

So when you saw the optometrist last time you had a RD and the optom did not see. Glad you saw the retina surgeon.  Say once again do everything you can to protect your good eye from injury, disease and bad lifestyle habits like smoking, obesity, high blood pressure, bad diet, etc.

[KG12345]

Thank you, definitely will do all I can to protect it. Vision is so precious! Plan after seeing second retina specialist today is for another surgery on left eye Monday to first remove scar tissue then try gas bubble again,  with surgeon saying will need strict facedown positioning for 2 weeks. He said if this doesn't work then oil would be next step. He said could take up to a year to really know what final visual outcome will be after reattach meant. I realize possibly may never get really good vision back in left eye but going to hope for the best. Though I didn't have a hole in the right macula the right eye was a macula-off detachment also and I've returned to 20/25 corrected vision 6 weeks post-op so I like to think my eyes have a high capacity for healing. :)  In the meantime I am going to try to stay focused on the vision I do have rather than what I don't have. I will quit bothering you now with my comments. I just recall that when my issues first began in April and I was scared and desperately searching for info on this topic I knew nothing about that reading entries on this particular forum was very helpful, so maybe something I ask or you say could somebody else in the future. Thanks again!

[JohnHaganMD]

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[JohnHaganMD]

Thanks for the update. Good luck

[KG12345]

Turns out not a pucker but left retina has detached again, larger than first detachment, including the macula, now with macula hole. Surgeon referred me to another retina specialist to get a second opinion as he says my retinas are not acting in the normal mode. He believes I may need scar tissue removed as was "chronic" detachment which he thinks I'd had for 4 months prior. I see this second surgeon this afternoon. Good news is right eye remains stable.

[JohnHaganMD]

Your best bet is to see what the surgeon says tomorrow as this type of surgery is so individualized and different that it is impossible to generalize.  

[KG12345]

Thank you for responding. On way to see surgeon and thinking will probably also get a second opinion prior to having a 4th surgery in under 2 months time.

[JohnHaganMD]

Best of luck

[Karan91]

Hello doctor,  I just wanted to ask you that I just had my silicon oil removed from right eye it's been 6 days now but I see few black spots but they dont apear continually they are like come and go after few minutes is it notmal, or do I need to do surgery again my doctor is out of station and can't call him so hope you can tell me what should I do?  

[JohnHaganMD]

Yes he will be especially if myopic. However the risk is in an absolute sense low. Standard risk of RD in general population without risk factors is about 1 in 7000    For relatives of a person that has had a spontaneous RD but who themselves do not have high risk characteristics (such as high myopia or lattice) the risk might be 1 in 1000

[KG12345]

Thank you, Dr. Hagan! So far my son has no myopia, whereas I started to wear glasses for nearsightedness at age 10.  I'm hoping he's inherited his dad's eyes (as he's had perfect vision) but will certainly make sure  my son gets his eyes checked regularly.

[KG12345]

Update: So on 5/12/16 I had scleral buckle with vitrectomy and gas bubble in my left eye. Gas bubble has been gone since last Friday. Only vision I have now in the eye is blurry vision in the left peripheral area. At optometrist appt today could not even see light from her Snellen chart box when my right eye was covered. Optometrist says she thinks I have a macular pucker. I see my surgeon tomorrow. Just wondering what treatment options there are for macular puckers?

[KG12345]

Update: So on 5/12/16 I had scleral buckle with vitrectomy and gas bubble in my left eye. Gas bubble has been gone since last Friday. Only vision I have now in the eye is blurry vision in the left peripheral area. At optometrist appt today could not even see light from her Snellen chart box when my right eye was covered. Optometrist says she thinks I have a macular pucker. I see my surgeon tomorrow. Just wondering what treatment options there are for macular puckers?

[JohnHaganMD]

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[Judgge]

Hi, Just wanted to say I have some feeling for what you are experiencing, as I have had two detachments in my left eye a week apart,  with scleral buckle, vitrectomy, laser, gas bubble. I hope all goes well with your recovery and any potential surgery. I understand your fears about driving, etc. As of now I can still drive. I am trying to enjoy each day as it comes. Take care.

[KG12345]

Thank you for your thoughts. Though my family and friends are supportive to me as I'm going through this it's difficult to explain what I'm feeling or seeing (or not seeing), so it is nice to have found this board where there are others who have experienced retinal detachments.

[JohnHaganMD]

you can always get a second opinion about surgery on the "good eye". You can use the search feature and archives and read the many posts by people who have had this type of surgery. Experiences vary widely and it is not possible to generalize about your recovery and prognosis.  Family members related by blood are now at a higher risk and you should advise them to see an ophthalmologist. Tell about your problem and see the Eye MD every year.  

[KG12345]

Thank you for your answer. I was adopted and only blood family member I know is my son who is 14. Do you think he's at risk as a teenager or more likely when he's older?

[KG12345]

I had Scleral buckle surgery and cryo repair of 6 holes for macula-off retinal detachment on 4/7, then 11 days later has Vitrectomy with 360 degree laser treatment on same eye as retina was detaching again when went in for 1 week follow-up appointment. It's been 5 days since surgery and vision still extremely blurry, can only see my hand if it's right in front of my eye. However was warned it would be very blurry until gas bubble dissolved and yesterday could not see even my hand so does seem to be starting to get better.  

What I am frightened of now is that this week when checking my other eye surgeon found I also have a detachment in that eye (from 6-8 o'clock). He is recommending Scleral buckle and Vitrectomy as 1 surgery once my right eye heals which he expects to be in ~ 1 month.  I am only in my 40s. He thinks I had detachment in right eye for 6 months and the one in left eye for ~4 months. I didn't have noticeable symptoms in right eye until only 2 weeks prior to the surgery (noticed straight lines looked wavy) and thankfully currently have good vision in the left eye but feel like I have a ticking time bomb there. My surgeon seems confident he will get both of my eyes fixed and I am trying to remain optimistic but still very scared that I will end up with loss of vision that will not allow me to drive or work anymore.  Any positive thoughts or suggestions would be helpful to me. Thank you.

[JohnHaganMD]

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[Rdsurgery]

These answers sound quite scary to me and make my anxiety go up here. Sounds like terrible things have happened to some of you here. Before I had Retinal-Re-Attachment surgery approx three weeks ago, the doctor explained that having the buckle was a harder procedure for him to preform and a harder recovery to the patient, it was unlikely that I would develop cataracts in the left eye in the near future, I gave the doc my opinion that buckle would be my choice if given one, to avoid cataract surgery. Thank the lord, had emergency surgery the same day was put under, recovery was super miserable and difficult painful and since the eye nerve is connected to the stomach nerve, I was throwing up like I was pregnant again. Totally disgusting, a few days later I knew the flashing had not stopped, here I am three weeks later experience ing the same flashes and one more circular flash that lines the bottom of the left eye,and the same flashes I had at the upper inner corner of my eye which I would describe as the ceiling fan type, at my two week check up, the doc said it was not unusual to still see them. Now I'm here seeking answers and feel lucky this is my only problem.

[Letalou]

I had a detached retina, with ZERO symptoms. Had surgery with buckle and gas bubble Nov 24. Result is complete blindness in right eye. Something to do with the anesthesia. Still unclear of what went wrong. Found out 2 days ago that the retina re detached as well! Due to the LADAR6000 malfunctioning 8 years ago and leaving my corneas scarred, without the ability to correct them with glasses, my other eye is not good either. My quality of life has taken a nosedive, without much hope of being a life worth living.

[GrandMarine]

I’m so sorry to read that you’re feeling so low. If your still on this site I hope you have come to terms with your impairment

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

Nice sentiments. thanks

[Letalou]

I had a detached retina, with ZERO symptoms. Had surgery with buckle and gas bubble Nov 24. Result is complete blindness in right eye. Something to do with the anesthesia. Still unclear of what went wrong. Found out 2 days ago that the retina re detached as well! Due to the LADAR6000 malfunctioning 8 years ago and leaving my corneas scarred, without the ability to correct them with glasses, my other eye is not good either. My quality of life has taken a nosedive, without much hope of being a life worth living.

[JohnHaganMD]

Assuming the retina was successfully re-attached and the gas bubble has been removed or reabsorbed the "dark area" should not grow bigger.  Discuss with your surgeon your concerns. Also your comprehensive ophthalmologist can do a visual field and keep track of peripheral vision changes.

The flickering of lights is common, many posts on same, likely due to fibrosis or contracture of retinal tissue.

JCH MD

[Wonsuk]

3 months ago, I underwent a vitrectomy, laser treatment, and gas bubble due to RD in my left eye. I am now getting regular check-ups at my eye doctor's. It turns out that prior to my surgery a considerable portion of my retina (upper left-hand corner) had been detached for quite some time, and therefore I now experience loss of vision in the lower right-hand corner of my left eye's vision field.

My question is - is it possible that the "dark area" (ie, the area of my impaired vision field) may continue to grow larger even after surgery? My doctor, at my last check-up last week, said he doesn't see anything out of the ordinary yet. Fyi, I continue to see flickering of lights in the lower part of my vision several times a day.

However, I can't help but feel that my "dark area" has grown a bit larger than,say, 2 months ago.

[JohnHaganMD]

If you will use the search feature and archives and read the many posts about retinal detachment (RD) surgery and silicone oil in the eye you will find that this multiple operation, pain, reduced vision is extremely common. The only solace you might gain is that without this surgery these eyes generally go completely blind.  So this type of surgery is desperation surgery for eyes facing blindness.  Some of the eyes are saved and some have good or useful vision.
It is extremely important that you pay close attention to your remaining eye as it is at increased risk for a RD also.  You need to protect it from disease and injury. Be sure to have it checked also every 6-12 months by an Eye MD ophthalmologist.  That having been said I think your only option is seek a second opinion. Retina doctors must always practice in a group and you would ask if an associate would offer a fresh second opinion.

JCH MD

[Pupil_Capture]

Multiple complications after retina detachment surgery

I had a retina detachment some time in September 2015, and had an operation near the end of September, where the ophthalmologist drained out the vitreous liquid of my left eyes and replaced it with (now I know) heavy silicone oil

I had a check up some weeks after the surgery (it does take quite some time for the eyes to feel not so painful) where the doctor found troubling signs - retina scarring and the presence of emulsion

So I had a second surgery yesterday where the doc drained out the heavy silicone oil and replaced it with gas. He also replaced the cataract of my left eyes

I asked the doctor how was the situation of the eye and he told me that he could only remove part of the emulsion because 'they were everywhere', and that he couldn't repair the 'scars' of the retine developed after the injection of the heavy silicone oil because it might tore up even more (healthy) retina cells nearby

Fair enough, I thought

This morning when I had a follow-up the doctor he found that I had a 'pupil capture' - which means the new 'artificial' cataract lens somehow was stuck on my pupil

Before the 'draining silicone oil' operation by left eyes had really blurry vision - now, it's totally dark

The doctor tried to dilate the left eye's pupil and then asked me to lay my head, face down, hoping that with the dilated pupil the artificial cataract lens would somehow 'pops' backwards and be released by my pupil muscle

No luck --- it still stuck, the pupil capture problem still holds

Since I only had the eye operation (in which the doctor drilled a second hole - I have two holes in my left eyes already) the doctor couldn't do anything, at least, right now

But I do feel pressure in my left eye, and tears keep flowing down, non-stop

Yes, every 2 hours I put on the eye drop, as told, but the pressure is still there, I can feel it

What can I do now? Any resident eye doctor here? Care to share your tips?

Thanks !

[JohnHaganMD]

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