Post Silicon Oil Removal Op

I am 47 and had an operation for correcting retinal detachment a year ago.  Recently, got silicon oil removed from eye, BUT still have oil (2%) in the eye PLUS millions of floating particles in the eye PLUS experiencing a thin layer of 'mist' that reduces my vision (sharpness).  Would these 'things' go away & how soon?  Do I need a 2nd operation to extract those things ?

[Michael J Kutryb, MD]

I am not a retina specialist, but, I don't expect that these things are going to go away by themselves.  You should discuss your options with your retinal specialist.  If your eye was in such bad shape that it needed silicone - then you have to have realistic expectations about what your vision could be.  Again, talk to your surgeon.  Consider a second opinion if you're not satisfied with current answers.

MJK MD

[paulm999]

I had an RD in June. During the vitrectomy, the dr decided to use silicone oil instead of a large gas bubble because the entire retina looked like it was about to "unzip." The silcone oil was in for 4 months. I actually saw better than most people with the oil. One month ago the oil came out, and thew saline put in. Like you, it was back to square one with the vision. 1) The first thing I noticed was the white fog. During the last 4 weeks, the fog/haze has disappeared 75%. I notice it most during daylight. 2) A few days after the silicone oil removal, I call the dr about all the floating debris I see. He said much of that would be original debris from the RD and some blood from surgery that has been kept in check on the inside of the eyeball by the oil, and now is loose. He said much of that should disappear in the coming weeks. Most is gone, 4 weeks post op. 3)Some silicone was left in. The smaller bubble (fish eggs) are gone, but one large bubble remains. It has a dark think membrane around it. I hope it will disappear, too in time...maybe years? 4) I can read with the surgery eye 1 foot away from print. That has unchanged in the last 3 weeks. I can see TV with using only the surgery eye 18 inches away. That has improved from zero post op. Vision is getting better at a rate of .001% per day. So at this rate, sometime next year my eye vision in the surgery eye should be back to 75% of normal. That's pretty much my best hope. I am lucky to have any vision possibilty in that eye, and thank an excellant retinal-vitreo specialist for saving it.

[ykp]

It is much a relief to read your comments that improvement to your eye sets in gradually since after the op.  Wish you good healthy with time to come.  
Generally, my eye condition is somehow similar to yours.  Just wish improvement would set in soon for I need to work leh.  It is rather irritating to read text & prints with millions of particles & oil bubbles floating in and around the eye.  Sigh.... Still waiting.

ykp (S'pore)

[paulm999]

"Millions of particles"??? If that's not an exaggeration, that doesn't sound normal. I've been told everybody's recovery is differant, but I would get into an opthamoligist asap just in case. Maybe a second opinion. In June, I had a 'snow globe' thing just before my RD. After the silicone came out last month, had some debris...less than 50 as well as the several silicone oil 'fish eggs', plus one bigger oil bubble. Most debris and 'fish eggs are gone. Bigger oil bubble is persistant.