Black area in eye

[Flats16]

Hello, I had a retina detachment in my left eye about a month ago. To repair it, I had a virectomy and a buckle fitted. The bubble only went on Friday and since then my vision is halved where the bottom half is black. I had my follow up with my surgeon two weeks ago and I was told that everything was looking good and the surgery was a success - he did tell me that I had developed a substantial cataract that will be removed in a few months. My question: is the black part of my vision normal? Is it the cataract? I have an awful feeling that the retina is detached again. I am still putting in drops four times a day and eyes are still dilated. I should also say that I had detachment in the other eye with buckle and a small gas bubble and my eyesight is what it was before detachment. Is this a normal post-op/bubble thing that happens? I will probably contact surgeon to be on the safe side but would love to hear other people's experiences. Thanks in advance.

[JohnHaganMD]

Cataracts don't cause severe peripheral vision loss. The most common causes would be:  1. air or gas in the eye 2. damage to the retina from being detached 3. redetachment of retina  4  occlusion of the retina arteries or veins in the black agre. I suggest you call your surgeon tomorrow and try and get in sooner for an exam.

[Flats16]

Hello John, thank you for your response. Just to update you. It turns out I had another detachment so I underwent surgery again last week with the insertion of an oil bubble. I've had my post op appointment and have been told that retina has reattached. I am happy with this but can't help thinking that it is going to keep happening in the future. I am spending most of my time posturing watching TV because I am so afraid. I am also afraid of permanent vision loss even though I can see more now than I did a week ago but am concerned that's going to be my lot - I had 6:9 vision a few weeks after operation and that went to 6:24 with the new detachment. I am remaining positive but I am trying to get used to the sight I have now in case that's what I'm left with. Thanks again.

[chazas]

Best of luck.  If you search for posts from those of us who've had retinal detachments, in many cases it's a long, long process from the initial detachment to ultimate stability.  I had my initial detachment in April 2015 and I'm in a pretty good place, but still not 100% stable in both eyes (there's a long post with lots of replies where I've detailed everything in sequence).  All I can say is, pay attention, ask lots of questions, do lots of research, and be your best advocate.  There are a couple of places along the way where if I hadn't spoken up, I would have been in much worse shape.  

[Flats16]

Thanks for your reply Chazas. I'm taking every day as it comes. I'm getting up a bit more but haven't ventured too far as I'm also conscious of my red eyes :( I'm very happy with my surgeon and team - I just seem to forget my questions when I'm with them - it may be due to nervousness when they look in my eyes and tell me some bad news. I'm hoping to get back to work before Christmas. Thanks for taking the time to reply - it's good to know I'm not the only one :)