Dilated pupil after Scleral Buckling

[dgpretzel]

Three weeks ago today (on Tues., 10/23/07), I had surgery for partial retinal detachment.  I received a scleral buckle and a bubble.

The detachment was caught early, and the doctors say things are going well.  The bubble has totally disappeared, and I currently have 20/30 (corrected) vision out of that eye, which is (I think) what I had before the detachment.  The correction is now -7.5, whereas previously I think it was about -6.

At a post op check Friday 11/9,  my local opthamologist (I had to travel to another town for the surgery) told me I could stop the  (in the red capped bottle), which kept my pupil dilated, if I am understanding and/or remembering correctly.

My next post op check is scheduled in about 3 1/2 weeks, but in the mean time, I am becoming somewhat concerned that, 4 days after discontinuing the dilation drops,  my pupil is still larger than the other eye.  Consequently, I am sensitive to light, especially when there is high contrast or, in the case of working in the office, florescent lights.  It;s also very tough to use a computer monitor (which is my job).

Of course, some (most?) of the difficulty seeing the monitor comes from needing a new prescription for the affected eye, as well as, even before the detachment, I was in need of increased "add" (presbyoptia).  So, I'm doing the neck thing, and/or removing existing glasses and putting head very close to monitor, but then brightness makes eyes tired and burning.

I will ask at my next post op, but am wondering if I should be concerned that my pupil is significantly larger than it used to be?  Is sustained pupil dilation common in post op for RD?  Is it likely to return to its previous size in due time?

Thank yoiu.

DG

[dgpretzel]

Thank you, Dr. Kutryb.

[Michael J Kutryb, MD]

The dilation can easily last one to two weeks from Atropine or Homatropine drops.  This is totally normal.  Pupil size should gradually come back to normal in a week or two.

MJK MD