Increase myopia prescription after retinal surgery

[Miatran123]

Dear Dr. Hagan,
I have a retinal detachment surgery mac-off 2.5 months ago. There were only vitrectomy plus laser + gas bubble (no Scleral Buckling Surgery). My operated eye has changed from -15D before surgery to -18D after surgery. I'm wondering if my eye gets longer in response to the increased myopia, hence increasing my chance for another detachment later. Also, is it common for patients who did not undergo bucking surgery to increase their myopia post-operation.  

Thank you very much for your time.

[JohnHaganMD]

If you were not buckled then the most common caused would be the development of cataracts which almost always follow vitrectomy.  True myopia comes from longer eye. Nothing they did would make your eye longer. The increased myopia is probably "pseudomyopia"  It would not increase risk of RD

[Miatran123]

Thank you very much for your prompt reply. I do not develop much of cataract according to my Retinal specialist, so probably the pseudomyopia.  I have a concern for the fellow eye (20/20 after correction) as well since its prescription is -16D and I also have lattice degeneration and peripapillary atrophy in that eye. My doctor said that preventive laser treatment is not needed because of the complications that might outweigh the benefits; and just let the nature takes its course and fix it when it really happens. Do you think I should seek a second opinion from other specialist whether or not have it undergo preventive treatment?
My last question is how often that peripapillary atrophy leads to degenerative myopia?

Many Thanks!

[JohnHaganMD]

No I would not think a 2nd opinion would be helpful. Likely you have been given good advice. Most lattice not need to be treated and treatment involves some risk. Peripapillary atrophy is generally a benign problem of little significance for most people

[Miatran123]

Thank you very much Dr. Hagan.

[JohnHaganMD]

Yes best of luck. I have untreated lattice in both eyes.