Problems after vitrectomy

[PB2]

I was having frequent large hemorrhages in my  R. eye, and my Dr. did a vitrectomy over a year ago. Since that time my vision has NOT improved, and the hemorrhages continue, although they clear up faster. However, the vision in my L eye is 20/50 w/glasses, and has constant floaters & occ. hemorrhages too, as well as a 'film' over the eye. Most of the time I am half blind & have not been able to drive for over a year. My Dr. is well aware of all of this, as well as the fact that I haven't been able to keep appts. for months b/c of the hemorrhages in my R eye-- in fact she told me "If you can't see OUT of your eye, I can't see IN" so she can't examine me. My Dr. has told me not to lift anything over 5 lbs, I cannot work, and it doesn't matter what I'm doing-- just eating dinner or watching TV & my R eye hemorrhages. I have wondered if I should have even had the vitrectomy, and she also mentioned she should have "put in a bigger balloon" so I'm wondering if that is  part of the problem?? I have recently applied for disability, and my Dr. refused to write a letter for me, to verify that I would not be able to work at least 4 days/mo due to visual problems, she says  that I "should" be able to drive w/my vision the way it is. I am only 45 yrs old & I hate not being able to drive. I am a teacher & would love to get back to my profession.   I am wondering if I should get a 2nd opinion??

[JodieJ]

You might be eligible for disability if your physical symptoms caused debilitating depression/anxiety.  (You would need a sympathetic mental health professional to do the paperwork.)  But I agree that you'd be much better off if you could work.  I don't know your profession or where you live, but there have to be some options for you.  Isn't there an employment counselor in your area who could assist you?

[PB2]

Thank you, yes I have already planned to get a 2nd opinion ASAP. My main problem is I never know when or which eye a hemorrhage will occur in. I can drive to a place and then I'll get a hemorrhage & can't get home. I haven't been able to acclimate to limited vision b/c it's so unpredictable- which is frustrating. My vision is variable & unpredictable every single day. The worst days are when my R eye is full of blood & my L eye hemorrhages. I really don't want to go on disability if there is a way to get back to driving & working fulltime, but over a year w/out a paycheck has me looking at other options. Thanks again for your answer!

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

Hello PB2   If blood doesn't clear in that period of time and is a major problem often another vitrectomy is considered to clear out all the old blood and look for bleeding sites and treat at the same time with endolaser.

I would consider seeing another retinal specialist for a second opinion.

You do NOT meet any standard of permanently disabled which is usually 20/200 in the best eye, with no chance of getting better OR visual field of less then 10 degrees in the better eye.  Your 20/50 vision would allow an unrestricted license in many places.

If your other eye sees normal you are generally not going to get partial disability since virtually everywhere you can drive if one eye meets the standards even if the other eye is totally blind.

JCH III MD   Eye Physician & Surgeon