Post Vitrectomy Vision question

[ceh0509]

I had a vitrectomy for RD about 3 weeks ago. This is after a pneumatic retinopexy and two rounds of laser for previous tears. Aka, a lot of work done in a 2-month period. Just today, I noticed a weird movement in my very deep periphery of my eye when I blink. I don’t see any black spots otherwise, but kind of this weird spot that pops up with a blink. I immediately called my surgeon who did a dilated eye exam. My retina is attached and there are no tears, but he didn’t know what it could be. Anyone else experience this? Is this just normal for having a lot of work done on your retina? Thanks in advance.

[JohnHaganMD]

Since the exam did not show problems that is excellent. Other people have on this forum described the same thing. One thing that can cause it is retina reaction to either laser, cryotherapy or the incision sites healing (generally at least  3 for vitreous surgery)

[ceh0509]

Thank you, Dr. Hagan! This has made me paranoid, but glad you’ve heard of it and others have experienced it.

[JohnHaganMD]

Happy to help

[xltjim]

My retina MD attempted to fix my first detachment using cryotherapy (I believe its called) in my left eye as an in office procedure.  He had injected a short term gas bubble and I had to position myself in bed for it to heal.  After a week,  I noticed shadows in vision and we found the retina detached again and we had to go the vitrectomy route in the hospital.   3 weeks of  positioning on side followed with 12 week gas bubble.  I also then  noticed a spot in vision when I moved my eye around and was very paranoid.  Called the surgeon and got in a few times "extra" just to make sure all was well.  In my case, it was part of the healing process - some residual fluid behind the retina which has since cleared up.  Never hurts to call the MD if you are concerned.  I was driving myself crazy with worry.   My MD was the best at getting me in quickly to check things out.  Better safe than sorry.

One thing I have learned from this and having the same issue in both my eyes a year apart is to be a patient - patient.  The healing all takes time.   Once all is said and done and past the cataract repairs....I am seeing the best I have in two years.  Still some anomalies in my vision but I am calling it the new normal.   I am now on annual followups but going to alternate every six months between my Opthalmologist and Retina surgeon.  We are blessed to be in an age of great medicine along with caring MD's.  Years ago this  would have resulted in blindness.   Take care and feel free to review some of my posts.  I think I have pestered Dr. Hagan just as much as my surgeon. (sorry Dr... Lol).