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.

[Latint81]

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[Latint81]

Hello there , would you be so kind to express your experience with the procedure ?? I have tons of floaters and they don’t recommend it , I just want to know your point of view as patient . I know some arrogant doctors out the county would tell us many things just need to find out from you .

[ceh0509]

Hi- Happy to share my experiences. I didn't elect the vitrectomy- I had it because I had a detached retina (3x) and had abnormal vitreoretinal adhesions. So, until the vitreous was removed, my retina was going to tear and detach over and over. The surgery itself was fine- not a lot of pain. My eye wasn't even red! Though, it was a little bruised and puffy/swollen. My macula was on, so I y had no central vision deficits, but my vision now is weird. It's seeing ok, though I still have a hard time reading (it gets blurry), and I have some debris in the eye still. I also have high eye pressure and can see my heart beating in my eye occasionally, so that's weird. I also still have the black disc in my periphery (guessing its a reaction to the cryo because it's about where my detachment occurred that was treated with pneumatic retinopexy before the vitrectomy). I can't tell you what to do, though I would caution against a vitrectomy for floaters. It's a major surgery and there are side effects. Good luck!

[JohnHaganMD]

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[Latint81]

That’s exactly what they told me , things aren’t going to be the same . Even tho I was told it takes 15 minutes and is not “ invasive “ . Right now I can’t even look to mirrors they look distorted don’t know if that’a one of your complaints also either everything looks 3D or 2D but when  I walk it feels like if I am bouncing up and down and that’s not how used to be , as we know I was been stupid playing with blue light laser .

[MrPresley]

Another comment here for patience, it took about 9-10 months for my vision to return to near normal following a vitrectomy/ERM peel in my LE four years ago.  Following removal of a cataract about 18 months after the vitrectomy, today my vision stands at 20/15 to 20/20 in my operative eye.

[ceh0509]

I’m so happy to hear that- what a wonderful outcome for you. Given all the times I thought the problem was fixed, only to be disappointed, I get nervous when something new happens. This forum has been really helpful though, so thank you for responding.

[xltjim]

We all heal in different ways too.  My left eye was the first one to have vitrectomy to repair detached retina.  First attempt to correct with in office procedure failed.  After vitrectomy I somehow scratched the cornea and required contact lens bandage and antibiotics.  I suffered from swelling due to all the trauma, pain, dryness.  high IOP (since returned to normal).  The  eye was sore for 4 months.  It helped with the right eye in that I knew what to expect, but that one was no problem at all healing up.

[JohnHaganMD]

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[ceh0509]

I have high IOP too- taking combigan and some other drop, though it’s reluctant to calm down. These eye surgeries are no joke. Sounds like you had quite the journey too. How are things now?

[JohnHaganMD]

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[MjCg]

After my vitrectomy I noticed all sorts of strange things with my vision!  I wanted the eye clinic to assign me an office space just so I could be there every day for a check-up haha.  It's been about 1.5 years now and all is well.  I had a retinal tear in the other eye repaired by laser, and I must admit I sometimes "see" a slight black line (or missing vision), especially at night.  It doesn't really bother me like it once did.  All my check-ups have been thumbs up.  You were right to visit your surgeon to have things checked.  Don't be shy about going back if you feel the need either.  Hey, maybe they'll assign you that office space I wanted!  Take care!  

[JohnHaganMD]

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[MjCg]

After my vitrectomy I noticed all sorts of strange things with my vision!  I wanted the eye clinic to assign me an office space just so I could be there every day for a check-up haha.  It's been about 1.5 years now and all is well.  I had a retinal tear in the other eye repaired by laser, and I must admit I sometimes "see" a slight black line (or missing vision), especially at night.  It doesn't really bother me like it once did.  All my check-ups have been thumbs up.  You were right to visit your surgeon to have things checked.  Don't be shy about going back if you feel the need either.  Hey, maybe they'll assign you that office space I wanted!  Take care!  

[ceh0509]

Thank you for the reply- I’m glad you’ve remained stable. Oh man, I visit so often I should have a parking space haha!

[JohnHaganMD]

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[Monica19815]

I am 7 weeks post vitrectomy, macular hole repair, IRM peeling and I experienced the same thing.  Not sure what it was but my scans look great, my hole is closed and my eye has healed except for a small bubble still there.  Good luck!!!

[JohnHaganMD]

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[ceh0509]

still got the bubble, huh? I found that to be the hardest part. So glad you’re healing well- good luck!

[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).