Gas bubble following Vitrectomy

[Fernackerpan]

I had a Vitrectomy for a macular hole almost two weeks ago together with a cataract removed at the same time. At present I can see a black circle with a grey and white interior (very much like a camera lens) which moves or bounces around depending on the position of my head.  I am assuming this is the gas bubble and that it will get smaller and disappear over time? What is most disconcerting is that even with my eye closed I can still see the bubble. Has anyone else experienced this?

Thanking you in advance.

[JohnHaganMD]

Again you will need to ask your surgeon but if a gas bubble is small it may be possible to fly  its large bubbles that cause the biggest problem.

[JohnHaganMD]

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[Whit2357]

I'm two week post -viterectomy.  Gas bubble down to about 15%.  Is it safe to drive to a much lower altitude with a smaller gas bubble?  I live it 7400 feet in Colorado so I was restricted from going home for about 10 days post op, until bubble had receded to less than 50%.  I'm trying to go to a wedding at close to sea level, would drive it over a course of 2-3 days.  First day of travel would be 15 days post-op.

[JohnHaganMD]

It's not going to a lower altitude that is a problem its to a higher altitude. Nevertheless often good to clear with your surgeon.

[jeepgirl57]

I am 36 hrs post op my only concern so far is my right eye that was operated on is not facing straight forward it is off to the right a little bit...is this normal due to swelling and surgery? Had small macular hole found just 7 weeks ago and Dr said the surgery could have not gone any better

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

No way to tell from your description. If it's off to the right then you should have some double vision.  On the other hand if you had local anesthesia (Injection of local anesthesia rather than general anesthesia it might be normal)  ask your surgeon next time in. Double vision and droopy eyelid are not rare after RD/retina surgery

[Msubon]

I am right at 2 months post op. My doctor said I should be able to fly by June 9th. I still have the bubble and two tiny bubbles formed today. I hope that means something good. I'm getting worried it won't be gone by the 9th.  

[JohnHaganMD]

Thanks for the positive message.

[SunnyKit]

Oh, and yes, I see gas bubble when open and closed. It has been almost 6 weeks since my vitrectomy with large gas bubble.

[SunnyKit]

I understand your discouragement. My vitrectomy was 5/7/15 and have large gas bubble for macular hole. It has diminished a lot, but still there though some sight back now. Frustrating since need glasses for my non bubble eye, but when wear them I can't see with the bubble eye. Anyway, I am looking forward to getting glasses to help see better maybe in 2 months. I guess I didn't realize that my sight wouldn't really be returned to "normal", but after getting adjusted to that, I am glad I am not blind in that eye since I was for about a month after the surgery. I haven't driven and walked funny since was off balance. I am not yet 60, and didn't know this happened to people in 50's, but anyway, I'm now getting out and trying to focus on the positive - I'm not blind and getting better; and every time I get discouraged, I try to remember there are many people with way worse things than I have, and it will hopefully get better.

[Suebee644]

My op was May 5/15, I still have a perfect circle that I look through, very frustrating.  I spent 4 weeks face down, hard but I did it!  I see the doc on Wed., June 10.  I am getting discouraged, went out for the first time this week, very disoriented.  I'm a 68 yr old female.  Good luck all!