Ways to improve visual outcome after RD

[catsmith]

I am wondering if there are any ways to improve visual outcome after surgery for a retinal detachment, e.g., vitamins, herbs, exercises?

Three years ago, I had a retinal detachment in my right eye. I had a vitrectomy and laser treatment and a gas bubble. A month after the surgery, before returning to work, my retina detached again. I had another operation ( I think the same). Again I had the gas bubble. This time the retina remained attached and in a month I was back at work. My vision got progressively worse because the gas bubble caused a cataract, so in a year I had cataract surgery. A year later I needed surgery again to open a hole to the lens. So after three years my vision was extremely good in that eye.

Unfortunately in July, the retina in my left eye detached. I had cryo in the emergency room (horrible -  I should have refused it) as when I went there it was a small tear. The day after the cryo, the retina detached and I had surgery two days later - vitrectomy, laser 350 degrees around my eye as the doctor wanted to avoid a reoccurrence like the one I experienced with my right eye. I had a gas bubble. I was pretty nervous. A month later all seemed well, I went back to work. Within two weeks, the retina detached completely, involving the macula. (This hadn't happened to me before). I had another operation - this time the lens was removed, another vitrectomy, laser, gas bubble, new lens. Now I'm three weeks post op and realizing as the gas bubble slowly recedes (much slower than any previous surgery) that my vision is better looking through the gas bubble than over it. Previously I could see pretty well once the gas bubble went down, especially with my glasses on. In fact, my vision is so poor now that I am getting worried. I have no desire to drive. Going out in public is difficult since I am pretty much blind on my left side. I trip, I bump into things.

I am wondering if this is because the macula was involved, and if I am going to have to get used to this. If I can see better through the gas bubble, does that mean it might be correctible? Grasping at straws here...



This discussion is related to Retinal Detachment Surgery - recovery time and going back to work.

[Tim4219]

Same here,vision is better looking through the gas bubble than over it

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

You won't be able to make any judgements until the air or gas is gone and several months of healing. Best of luck.

[Tim4219]

Hi John, Had vitrectomy surgery 4 weeks ago for multiple retinal detachments and tears. Seems like the outside of my eye or the sclera skin is all bubbled up, or maybe it's just clear thick goo. Still using the eye drops every 6 hours. Want to touch it with a Q-tip and see if it's just thick goo that pulls out. Been a couple days and now I have to wait thru the weekend to talk to see the eye doctor.

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

That outer layer (conjunctiva) is cut loose and pulled back to do the surgery then when its done it pulled forward and sutured in place. Bubble/cysts/redness and uneven surface are common.

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

If the RD pulled your macula off then even if the retina is reattached the vision may not return to normal. Also it may be 6 months to a year before you know what your recovery will be.

JCH MD

[dinuka]

I had a surgery for inferior exudative retinal detachment in my left eye and the doctors were fixed it by using a bakel , now the problem is my vision it is about L/E(1/60) . I recently went for my doctor and he said that my retina is fixed but center of my retina has a damage & i can't ever improve my vision so I am looking for good explanation & I am looking for big favour

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

As I understand your posting you now have good vision in your right eye after all the surgery.

Its too early to tell how your left eye with fail. It takes up to a year for maximum vision to return to the eye after a RD. Also you may develop a cataract and need cataract surgery.

The prognosis for good or normal vision is always worse if the macula is detached or develops a hole or epiretinal membrane.

Hang in there and good luck.

JCH MD

[JodieJ]

When the macula is involved, the prognosis for regaining good vision in that eye is not as good.  But please don't despair.  Many people lead normal lives (and drive) with only one good eye--and you can, too.  So you need not avoid going out in public.  With a little practice, you'll learn to adapt to letting your good eye carry the burden--and you won't continue bumping into things.

[ladytalking]

I do not have any answers to your question, but I do have a question for you. Have you stayed with the same doctor through all that you have been through , or have you gotten a second opinion about your situatiion?
I really do feel for you!!!