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Flashing light after laser surgery for lattice degeneration

Hello all, I received my laser surgery over a month ago for my left eye retina tear and right eye for lattice degeneration.

I had a follow up with my retina specialist doctor a few days ago and he says everything looks fine. 2 days later, I noticed my right eye (the one with lattice degeneration) had a random flash of light. But the flash of light seems a little different than what I experienced with my left eye which had a retina tear.

I am scared that my right eye has a retina tear because I don't want to go through the whole surgery again. But if I do have a tear, it doesn't make sense to me... my doctor already lasered my right eye for lattice degeneration and he said the chances of tearing is small. Plus I just saw him a few days ago and he said it looks good. How can a tear develop in merely 2 days? If it looks like it's about to tear shouldn't he noticed it? I was diagnosed with lattice degeneration on my R eye in June and got surgery in September. I mean during those 3 months it didn't tear... it just doesn't make sense if it tore now.

Anyone know what this is, or experienced this?

My next appointment is in 5 weeks.
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177275 tn?1511755244
usually either traction on the retina from the vitreous and/or scar contracture from where the laser burns were applied.

JCH MD
Helpful - 0
4 Comments
Dr.Hagan, How long does scar contracture takes to heal and stop flashing?
I'm not Dr. Hagan, but from personal experience it can take weeks - or, as I understand it, you may always get them occasionally.  
Currently I am getting flashes once every hour or so. Will that be counted as occasional or frequent?
There is no way to answer your question because the size and shape of retinal holes/tears/detachments vary and the amount and type of treatment varies (laser, cryopexy, scleral buckles, air/gas exhcange)  you best best is to query your surgeon.
Avatar universal
Yes mine only occurs at night or right before I fall asleep.

May I ask why there are flashes of light even though there are no tears?

Thank you.
Helpful - 0
177275 tn?1511755244
If you will use the search feature and archives you will see there are many posts of people that have laser for lattice and continue to have some flashing in the eye, especially at night.

If the flashes should get worse, occur during the day, be associated with lots of new floaters and/or any loss of peripheral vision you would need to see your retina specialist right away.

JCH MD
Helpful - 0
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177275 tn?1511755244
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