Pars Planitis Treatment

[lisanicoleharrison]

I was diagnosed with Pars Planitis when I seven (over 20 years ago) and have seen and been treated by specialist on and off since then as it has remained “quiet” for years.  My current doctor who specializes in Uveitis did a Pars Plana Vitrectomy with a gas fluid exchange and a Kenalog injection a little over six months ago due to (from what I understand) a build-up of the white blood cells caused by the Pars Planitis that have elevated my retina and was it bleeding. About a month and a half ago I again had to have another surgery, this time it was a Vitrectomy with another gas fluid exchange due to my retina detaching caused by the first surgery. I still have a small “gas bubble” remaining in my eye from that surgery and up until a yesterday was noticing improvements in my vision. However, I am now experiencing a grey haziness in the part of my vision not covered by the “gas bubble” and flashing lights. These are the exact symptoms I was experiencing prior to the 2nd surgery. I have an appointment with my doctor tomorrow and will not be surprised if another vitrectomy is needed. Is having multiple vitrectomys normal? Also, should I be seeking a 2nd opinion? Are there other ways to treat a detached retina?    

[Doreen Fazio, M.D.]

Repeat surgery may be needed if there is recurrent retinal detachment.  It is a good idea to obtain another opinion, if only to be re-assured that your surgeon is doing everything correctly.  A retinal detachment can also be repaired with a scleral buckle, as long as scar tissue called PVR (proliferative vitreo-retinopathy) is not pulling the retina off; in this case, a vitrectomy is needed to remove the scar tissue.

[Doreen Fazio, M.D.]

Repeat surgery may be needed if there is recurrent retinal detachment.  It is a good idea to obtain another opinion, if only to be re-assured that your surgeon is doing everything correctly.  A retinal detachment can also be repaired with a scleral buckle, as long as scar tissue called PVR (proliferative vitreo-retinopathy) is not pulling the retina off; in this case, a vitrectomy is needed to remove the scar tissue.