Delivery after Retinal Detachment

[cosulliv]

Hello,
Seven years ago, at age 27, I had emergency sceleral buckle surgery for a right retinal detachment involving the macula.  Six weeks after that surgery I had laser surgery on retinal tears in my left eye.  I am expecting my first child in September and have been told that it might be wise to choose a caesarian delivery over a natural birth because of pressure to the eyes.  Has anyone got any advice as to what I should do or know where I could find more information on this?  (I would prefer to have a natural birth).  
Many thanks
Cosulliv

[Forum-OD-MP]

wow.  i personally have not heard that one before but it could well be true...  i'll see what i can find out

[muppet]

Hi - I have had similar eye issues to you since age 21 (I am now 38).  I have had three children and I had three c-sections for this very reason.  My specialists never told me to go for the c-sections and said it was entirely my choice, but I decided that I would not take the risk.  I am so glad I didn't, because my eyes have worsened over the years and it would have been something that always made me wonder.  Good luck with your decision - I believe it is something only you can decide for youself.

[Stacyy]

Hi.  I'm 41.  I am a high myope.  At age 24 I had a retinal detachment with scleral buckle in my right eye.  I also had laser repair for additional holes and tears in that eye.  At age 26 I had another detachment - this time in my left eye.  They were able to fix the detachment, tears and holes with cryopexy surgery.  
At 31, I had my first baby.  24 hours of hard labor and 3 and 1/2 hours of pushing - which is a long time.  Baby was face first, they call this posterior and much harder to push out naturally.  No eye problems from this subsequent.
At 35, another baby, shorter labor but still a natural childbirth.  No retinal problems.
At 38, another baby.....same way.  No problems.
Remember, as you age, your myopia or astigmatism or whatever other issues you may have with your vision my change.  Hormones also affect the body in other ways as well, including vision.  
The buckle holds your retina to your eye pretty tight and the chance for another retinal detachment in that eye is pretty small IMO.   Please ask your retinal surgeon for his advice.  
Without the buckle in my other detached eye (with the cryo), the repairs stayed repaired as well, despite much pushing to get my babies out.  
I get my eyes checked every few years and my retinas continue to remain stable.
Please keep in mind that cesearean surgery is major surgery and more risky than natural childbirth for both mother and baby.  Having a baby naturally is not something to give away lightly.  Please keep this in mind and consult with your retinal specialists.  
I hope this opinion gave you some information that may help you.
Good luck and Congratulations on your new baby.