Retina Detachment

[4eyesurgery]

Background information:  I am 44 years old, have never worn glasses.   I was involved in a car accident and then notice my vision decreasing in my Left eye, when I went for my physical I was told it was age related and it time for glasses. A few months down the road I notice a dark shadow while I was at work, kind of like oil being poured into a glass of water.  I called the doctor to get an appointment and took the first available and went to see the eye doctor that day I was in surgery.   I have had a total of 4 surgery for a detached retina we tried the bubble but the retina sill detached because of the scaring. During my last surgery , silicone oil was placed in the eye to keep the retina attached but the scarring reoccurred,  but it has not detached and he I can see out of the eye even though there is no lens,  the good news he tells me it this is the least amount of scar tissue he seen.  The plan is to wait and watch the growth of the scaring and then remove it.

My questions are:
I have done no heavy lifting when can I mow the lawn or do some work sitting at a desk is driving my nuts.

If the retina tears will my vision go black?

Is it likely that this will occur again?

How many time kind they remove the scar tissue?

Is my right eye in any danger?

Will my pupil go back to being round when this is all over?

With sincere appreciation for any help you can give me.
Thank you

[AnnaE]

Check with your doctor about the possibility of your right eye benefitting from some laser, to prevent a detachment.There is some debate about what is safe and when, but all in all, the 8 retinologist I have seen approve of the 360 lasering on my good eye, I had to prompt my doctor/ he was not going to do anything,until I brought it up.

It is worth exploring.

[berrywoo]

Generally, after about three to six months from your most recent surgery the chances of a recurrent detachment significantly drops. Dr. Kutryb is correct. If there is still scar tissue there is a chance that the retina may detach again, even w/ the silicone oil. Be on the watch for flashes of light or floaters, if you're experiencing these symptoms currently and the dr. knows, then be sure they don't get worse, if they do call your surgeon ASAP. Also, be on the watch for a dark curtain/veil or worsening vision. Make sure that you're right eye is checked regularly and report any problems you experience in that eye to your dr. Your pupil probably will not go back to normal.

I've been through too many retinal surgeries (5 for EACH eye so far) and understand that it is frustrating. Hopefully, your eye will turn out ok and if worse comes to fruition you've got another eye. Be patient the healing process takes time. Good Luck.

FYI: please do a search of the eye care forums as much has been posted on the subject of RD's.

[Michael J Kutryb, MD]

Please direct all your questions to Your surgeon who knows your case best.  Ask him when you can take on more active duties.  If retina tears again, I'm not sure you would even notice it with all the scarring and silicone oil you have in the eye.  You would likely notice worsened vision and more floaters in the eye.  I'm not sure it is time to talk about a new detachment since you haven't really gotten over the first one yet and have possibly more surgery on the schedule.  At some point the surgeon may call it quits as to more surgery but only he can tell you about your specific case.  Your other eye does have a slightly higher than average risk of detachment but the good news is that it has probably been looked over very well and any early problems would have been detected. Your pupil may never be quite normal after all these surgeries.

MJK MD