Spots & flashes after scleral buckling

[visheshp]

My Mother is 52 years old and was detected of a retinal detachment a few weeks back. After a few opinions, a scleral buckling was done exactly 3 weeks back. While the redness and swelling have reduced considerbly, she is increasingly complaining of still seeing black spots, double vision and flashes. She is infact sulking with it and feels it may never improve. Could anyone please advise if seeing black spots, double vision and flashes is normal ? She also frequently weeps and has tears in her eyes, which is worrying us further. Could anyone pleae advise ?

[visheshp]

Thanks for your kind response. IT is reassuring. The surgeon had mentioned before the surgery that the macula had not been detached as yet but was very close to it.

[cwatt1]

I had a retinal detachment late last year and has scleral buckle surgery also. I experienced many of the symptoms your mother has, including the black floaters.  As Dr. O. said, this is normal.  The floaters will probably settle over time.  As far as her vision is concerned, it may or may not return to her pre-detachment level, especially if her macula was detached, as mine was.  In any event, it can take several months for vision to stabilize after a retinal repair

I wish  your mom the best of luck.

[visheshp]

Dear DR. O, Thanks for the response.
In addition, she also keeps complaining that her vision is poorer than what it was before the operation. Is that normal as well? Her eyelid is compltely open (open about 3/4ths).

[Ray T Oyakawa, MD]

This is normal and should get better with time.  Please discuss with your surgeon.  Every retinal detachment is different.


Dr. O.