Multiple Retinal Detachments

Posted by Johnfh on June 29, 1999 at 11:25:51
My father has had two retinal detachments.  The first one attempt to reattach was unsuccessful and the second one is holding for nearly 10 months.  He contacted "pink eye" prior to the first re-attachment.  The first detachment happened within a couple of months after surgery for cataracts. I have three questions.
1.  His eyesight is not getting any better.  He can only see light and dark in the eye where the detachment took place.  Is there any other options to improve his eyesight?  Will the eyesight get bettter with time? Note: He is also diabetic.
2.  He has cataracts in the right eye also.  What are the risks of having this corrective surgery?  He can not drive and has difficulty reading or getting around now.  His doctors are reluctant to do this procedure.
3. He lives in Ohio.  Any suggestions for further treatment?

Posted by HFHS MD - NI on June 29, 1999 at 13:02:14
You discuss a very difficult case.  Retinal detachment after cataract surgery is very uncommon probably less than 1%.  It would be useful to know if the cataract surgery was uncomplicated or if there was something unusual during the surgery.  Complicated cataract surgery can increase the risk of retinal detachment.
If the retina has been attached for 10 months and they tried checking him for new glasses, I doubt he would see any better.  It would be reasonable to discuss this with his retina specialist.
Regarding the cataract in the other eye, if it is bothering him, it is reasonable to consider removing this.  One would have to be cautious since this is his only eye and he is probably at a slightly higher risk of a retinal detachment since it occured in the other eye.  However, the risk is probably still relatively low.
I do not think the pink eye is related.
You can have your father seen by one of the retina and cataract surgeons at the Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit if he is interested by calling 8003637575.
This information is for educational purposes only.