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.

[TK_SG]

I had a retina tear on my right eye 3 weeks ago and had been treated with laser treatment. In the recent 2 weeks, have been experiencing the same circle of lights at the corner of my eye. Just wondering how you have recovered from yours after more than 6 months now? Does the flashes go away?

[JohnHaganMD]

Protect your eye from injuries: avoid activities with high incidence of injury, wear proper eye protection if you must use power tools or mow yards, see an ophthalmologist yearly for an eye exam.  Don't smoke or use cannabis products, if you use alcohol use it temperately, exercise regularly, watch your weight-obesity is unhealthy, have a personal physician that you see regularly, eat a good diet rich in vegetables, fruit, fiber, fish, berries, nuts. Protect your eyes and skin from excess sun exposure.

That's a good start
JCH MD

[avy870]

Hi John,
Would you mind sharing what steps I can take for safety of my other eye, types of exercise, diet, care etc. Your suggestions much appreciated.
Thanks
Avy

[JohnHaganMD]

It might help your mindset if you dial into your expectations that this is not the type of surgery that heals quickly (as a reading of the many posts here will attest) and that it usually is months before doctor and patient call judge the success of the procedure.  Best of luck. Remember that the incidence of RD is much higher in the fellow eye. Do everything you can to protect your "good eye" from injury and disease.

JCH MD

[avy870]

Thanks much John for your response. I really hope it improves fast

Avy

[JohnHaganMD]

We've said many times before that RD surgery is highly individual and recovery guidelines cannot be given as can with cataract surgery.

You do not have two types of RD. Rheg RD means due to a hole or tear Non-Rheg means no hole or tear.  Traction is one form of Rheg RD.  

These observations are common however; use the search feature and look at all the discussions of people having the same observation

JCH MD