Lattice Degeneration/ Tear/ Holes/ Treatment? --> Doctors' Opinions Wanted

[PV25]

Hi,

I am a teenager (female) and about a year ago I started seeing large floaters (different shapes/tints, spider-like). Then, about 8 months ago, I started noticing flashes in dark or dim lighting at times. Then, last week I saw a faint pattern of horizontal lines that lasted a few seconds.

I went to an ophthalmologist in October 2008 who then directed me to a retinal specialist because he said he saw a small tear in the periphery of my retina in one eye, and also said I had lattice degeneration. (He thought I should get treatment for the tear) The retina specialist decided to do a follow-up in 6 weeks because he only noticed holes and wasn't 100% sure if there was actually a tear.

I went to my follow-up appointment 2 weeks ago and the Dr. said that there was in fact a tear in 1 eye (along with some holes in both, top/bottom, along with lattice degeneration). He said I could get it treated with laser-surgery to repair the tear/holes (and told me of the risks, i.e. epiretinal membrane forming, etc.), but if I don't get it treated, although a low chance, my retina could detach.

I am not sure if I should treat the tear now, or wait and keep a watch on the tear/holes/lattice every couple months.

I read that after Laser treatment of the Retina tear, floaters and flashes increase? In your opinion:
What happens if I proceed with treatment? What if I don't? Is time of the essence?

I am seeking advice because I realize I am quite young to have this.

If you could give me your opinion I'd appreciate it. My family and I are trying to decide what we should do.



PS: I should also mention that I have benign fasciculations. I have been told this is not related, but I thought I'd let you know.

[PV25]

PPS: I should also mention I have blue sclera and I am nearsighted (prescription 1.25/1.50 and low astigmatism.)

[berrywoo]

I know you wanted a doctor's opinion, but I thought I'd chime in as well. The lattice is probably due to your nearsightedness. Were you born prematurely?

If the holes are asymptomatic then it is probably ok to just have the doc. monitor them. If the tear is in the upper portion of the retina then it needs treatment as the risks of detachment is high. However, you mentioned that the tear is not at a great risk of causing a RD, so that leads me to believe that is is located at the bottom of the retina. Or it may not be a horshoe tear. In this case you can decide to just wait and have it monitored.

Laser photocoagulation is generally not too risky when compared to other procedures, but like any surgery is never 100% safe. It is not a painful procedure.

Any loss of peripheral vision (seeing a curtain/veil in your vision) is an emergency and could signify a retinal detachment seek help ASAP if you notice this.
I've posted extensively on RDs, its treatments, and effects b/c I've been throught plenty of surgeries related to RDs (and no, I'm not really old, I'm in my 20's). If you want do a search here for Retinal Detachments 101 and you'll pull up my detailed post, or you could just click on my username and read through some of my other postings (I've written a post or two detailing the whole laser photocoagulation procedure and what it's like). Or better yet do a simple google search it will turn up loads of information.
Whatever you decide to do good luck and take care.