Floaters Flashes Scleral Buckle

[gjohnson]

I have a scleral buckle in my right eye for a detachment that happened in 2000. I am severely near sighted. Now my left eye is having large floaters and flashes of light at night, no curtain or shower of "bugs" like when my detachment happened. My eye doctor said Thursday that the vitreous is pulling on my retina. He said "i think you will be ok, but i want to see you in 4 weeks" What is the liklihood that the vitreous pulling away will tear my retina? Wont i know if it tears and have the same symptoms from my last detachment? Also now my scleral buckle feels weird almost like the muscle is twitching back there a lot where that is. I had not noticed that ever until after the exam. So i couldnt ask him about that. It is driving me crazy! What could be causing that? Thanks! Gayle

[gjohnson]

Thank you. I will keep my appt. with my opthamologist. The surgeon in Kansas City told me one time after a follow up "bypass your opthamologist and come straight to me if you have the same symptoms in your right eye, you will know". But I am worried as this is how my left eye started.  it took about 2 years before it detached after i started seeing floaters, but not long after i saw "the bugs and the (i call it a moon)"  I dont want to let anything go. But i feel silly making an appt. with a surgeon who is so busy.  Thank you for your help =) Gayle

[Michael J Kutryb, MD]

I can understand your anxiety about the new floaters and flashes - after all you've been through with the right eye.  Your concerns are all normal and right on target.  If you're not already seeing a retinal specialist - you might want to consider that.  You should definitely being seeing an ophthalmologist - and I strongly suspect you are.  You're at a much higher than average risk for a detached retina (compared to general population) but it appears everything is ok for now.  It's extremely important to keep appointment for recheck - and in the meantime to report any new symptoms (worsened floater or flashes, decreased vision, curtain of blindness over part of the vision.)  You should try to avoid very strenuous activity, and things like roller coasters, trampoline jumping, push ups, boxing, bungee jumping etc.  These examples may sound silly but basically you don't want to jostle the vitreous around too much right now.  Let the vitreous separate gently and nicely - not violently - as that could increase of problems.  As a general rule - you have anywhere from about 5% to 10% chance of a retinal tear which could lead to a detachment.  The chance is higher is the doctor sees red blood cells in the vitreous.  Good Luck.

Regarding feeling the buckle - it's probably nothing major - since you've been doing well for so long.  Rarely, the silicone band will work its way out and protrude a little under the conjuctiva and cause irritation.  Usually, not a big problem.  I can't tell you too much more - make sure to mention it to retinal specialist on your next visit in 1 month.
Michael Kutryb, MD