Retina exam

Hello Doctor Hagan, I am a 31 years old male with high myopia （both eyes 10.00）. I had LASIK surgery 4 years ago and result is very good. However I know the operation doesn't change the risk profile for my eyes to have possible retina tear or detachment. Now I am in NYC and plan to see retina specialist. Before that I'd like to consult your some questions:

1. One eye doctor told me both long eyes and curve of cornea contribute to myopia but only length of eye relates to possibility of RD. Is that true?

2. Generally can US medical insurance plan cover this kind of "preventive check" at ophthalmologist? Currently I have Anthem Bluecard PPO plan in US.

3. You know retina is a very specialized area. Can you recommend 1-2 specialists in NYC with good experience, for example in Manhattan Eye and Ear?

4. Now I don't have any symptom of PVD, however I know there is some risks for high myopia persons if they experience PVD & flash and retina merchanically pulled by vitreous. From emergency management perspective can you tell WHEN and under WHAT circumstance I must go to see doctor, otherwise I dont' need to have fear & anxiety.

4.1 If I experience some symptom such as occasional flash in dark state do u think I need to see eye MD more frequently? saying 1 week or 2 week in case any tear can be identified and repaired in time. I used to be told by you in medhelp.org that during the first 6-8 weeks of PVD the risk is high.

5. Can PVD directly lead to RD or firstly it could lead to retina tear then only after some time it could result in RD if the tear is not fixed in a timely basis.

6. If PVD only leading to retina tear and the tear be fixed in time, based on current medicine and technology how about the final vision result?

7. Can I still drive if I get retina tear and have timely laser or other operation?

8. I will live in US on my own for 1 or 2 years. If I get some retina emergency and need to have laser or frozen surgery,  can I go to the hospital myself or must be accompanied by someone else?

Thank you very much.

[abel738]

erm. id say yes, this time doctors don't know much about eyes, they just tell you efverything's fine! you'r alright go home! soo just pray for you'r god! and good luck mate.

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

1. Long eye yes, curved cornea no
2. Some do some don't can't generaliz
3. No I do not know any personally. Manhattan E&E is excellent.
4. The retina physician can advise you after looking at your retina.
5. The retina could detach immediately after a PVD or at some time in the future. Usually < 6 weks.
6. If the retina is not detached then the PVD will not effect the vision. If there is a retina hole but no RD it should not affect the retina.
7. Quit courting trouble and obscessing about this.
8. If you can see you can drive yourself.

JCH III MD

[AnnaE]

BTW, I love your name. I wish your great luck, and thanks for posting such valuable questions. Please let us know how you are, following your immediate visit to the doctor.

[AnnaE]

One of your answers here provided be me with invaluable information about my own condition.

Thanks

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

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[AAA&BBB]

Thank your Doctor.

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

You are welcome.