Just Diagnosed with a Post Rectinal Detachment.

Does this mean to others that have had a similar problem that laser surgery will need to be followed; or does it ever heal for its self?  On/about 22 August, I noticed a large floater in right eye and flashing light.  I saw doc yesterday, and he said he's actually had surgery for this and they do it right there in his office, but I wanted to see if it got any better, any suggestions, does it ever get better?

[Michael J Kutryb, MD]

If you just have a posterior vitreous detachment - that is the separation of the vitreous gel from the retina with resultant floaters and sometimes flashes in the vision.  There is generally about a 5% or so chance of a retinal detachment whiich is more serious and need treatment (usually either laser or vitrectomy or scleral buckle.)  Now back to a posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) they are overall generally not harmful and the floaters improve over many months and the patients also get used to them.  Surgery is certainly not needed for a PVD.

MJK MD