Optic Neuropathy

[Bigr582]

I had Retinal detachment surgery in Jan and my sight prior to surgery was 20/20 corrected with a 0.50 correction. in that eye.I had a vitrectomy and gas buble.I am now after the surgery seeing 20/200.They suspect optic neuropathy.Is this a result of the surgery since i had no prior problem.Can a optimologist see a paled disc or optic nerve damage through a visual examination or does it require a neuro optimologist to see that.

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

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[berrywoo]

Optic neuropathy is the result of a blockage of blood. Depending on the mechanisms of the block determines the treatment and how much if any vision can be recovered.
However, nerve damage is often irreparable at this point in time. There are many new and exciting discoveries being made in the research labs which may one day give hope to those w/ optic nerve damage. I'm looking forward to these results myself, since my left eye has suffered extensive nerve damage as a result of RDs.

[Bigr582]

I was told by the retina specialist that he didn't believe it could be corrected.when i was asked to look through the pin holes it just sharpened up what i was seeing. possibly a tic better.I haven't went to really have them checked to see if they can tweek it. Just going on what he said. Any suggestions.

[berrywoo]

I'm assuming that the current 20/200 vision is w/ the best possible correction. The optic nerve may have been damaged by surgery, either as a direct result or indirect.
Yes, an opthalmologist can view the optic disc in a regular dilated eye exam w/ indirect opthalmoscope.