Fluid behind retina

[Kiddad]

Two months ago I had surgery for a detached retina.  The operation was successful in reattaching the retina, but I still have blurred vision.  The doctor did a laser scan and said I still have some fluid behind the retina that is distorting the vision, but he wanted to give it time (several months) to see if the eye would absorb the fluid (it's thicker fluid).  

I have two questions:  First, is there any damage that could occur (like scarring or infection) from leaving the fluid behind the retina for several more months?

Second, the doctor said that if the fluid isn't absorbed, we may need to do surgery to remove it.  Are there any less invasive ways to remove the fluid?

Thank you very much for your help.  

[Michael J Kutryb, MD]

I suspect you may have macular edema or an epiretinal membrane.  Usually drops or injections are the treatment for macular edema.  If a prominant epiretinal membrane is present, surgery can be an option down the road for some cases.  As far as fluid "behind the retina" ony a very large choroidal effusion or chronic serous detachemnt would be treatable with surgery and I'm not sure if you have that.  Ask your surgeon to clarify with you and write it down specifially.  "Fluid behind the retina" is too general.

[berrywoo]

Sometimes if there is not a lot of fluid behind the eye doctors like to take the "wait and see" approach. It does not cause the risks of scarring, infection, etc. to increase.

However, if the fluid does not get absorbed and it is causing visual impairment, it may have to be surgically removed. There is no other way.

[Kiddad]

Dr. Kutryb:  Thanks very much for your response.  My next appointment with West Coast Retina is in 2 months.  Is there a downside to waiting until then (e.g., could the edema or epiretinal membrane worsen as a result of  not being treated in time--like a detached retina, for example) to follow up with my specialist?  It sounds like he felt he wanted to give it time to see whether it would absorb on its own--and I want to be comfortable that "wait and see" is a reasonable treatment option.  

Kind regards, KD

[berrywoo]

It could take as little as a few weeks, to as long as a few months (3-6 or sometimes a bit longer) for the fluid to be absorbed. If after a few months there is no change in the amount of fluid present you and your doctor should discuss the benefits/risks of surgery.

[Kiddad]

Thanks very much for your quick response.  Sounds like I may need to simply cross my fingers and wait.  Do you have a sense for how long the "wait and see" period might last?  Thanks again.