detached retina /macular pucker

[shrimpboy]

I had retina surgery in 2008 on my right eye. I, unfortunately didn't get the surgery for 6 weeks after I got the initial "flash" , "floaters" and gray clouded area in eye. The surgery turned out to be intensive with scural buckle, gas bubble and periferal vision loss. I also ended up with a "macular pucker" that distorts horizontal and vertical lines in vision and causes nausia, vomiting, migrane headaches and severe eye throb/pain - if I focus up close on reading or computer screen for a 15 minute period or more.
My question is, if I had gone to have the retina surgery within the first few days - (a) would I have had all the problems that I am now having? (b) Is this common after detached retina surgeries? (c)will it get better in time?
Please answer these 3 questions - as I am at a loss and have had to adapt to a new lifestyle.
Thank you for any direction

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

1. You asked if getting to the retina surgeon sooner might have prevented your present problems. And the answer is sometimes it makes a difference and some times it doesn't. Once the macula is detached the prognosis for good vision falls off rapidly. If your macula detached immediately delay would not make a difference' if it was macula on and it later detached then teh delay may have been an issue.
2. I would suggest you see another retina Eye MD for a second opinion about your retina-macular problem and a comprehensive ophthalmologist about your trouble with your eyes working together and explore glasses and contact lens.

JCH MD

[shrimpboy]

Thanks for your quick response. I just found it on my computer, as I don't get on it much anymore because of eye strain. This is a great site, wish I had found it earlier and I will check it regularly now.
- I don't quite understand the answer you gave to my first question (a), and would like a little detail - please!
- I also would like your recomendation on what to do next or who to see regarding my specific eye/vision problem. I am just 58 and enjoy being outdoors as well as photography.
Thank you for your time,
just a response is comfort to me

[shrimpboy]

After the initial retina detachment surgery (in late '08) finally healed in early '09, I had a cataract removed and a crystal lens implanted. At that point I could finally see through the eye. It was obvious something was wrong with my new vision and I was convinced to have another surgery, this time to remove the macular pucker. Not nearly as invasive as the initial surgery, it was quite uncomfortable and left me with another cataract - which was removed through a laser treatment. After numerous dr visits and gallons of drops and ointments-this is where I am now.

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

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[pinhole]

Are you a candidate for surgery to treat your macular pucker? After RD surgery consisting of a vit-buckle plus laser plus bubble my eye never felt or saw well until combined macular pucker/cataract surgery seven or so months later. The wavy lines diminished considerably and my eye comfort and vision improved greatly.