Retina tear

I have had PVD for 2 years, and recently 2 retina tears are shown, both in my right eye, and both were quickly treated with lazer photocogulation.

In both cases, in the first 2,3 days after my operation, my vision  was clear of all floaters, but afterward, floaters are back, and also cloudiness, paricular looking out to a very bright sky or sunshine landscape.

1. Could you explain why?
2. Also, the laser would kill the healthy cells, any damage from that?
3. The 2nd time, my doctor tols me about 20% chance of retina tear again - could you tell me the average # of retina tears in one eye before it settle down?

I am 57 - short sighted, healthy - 2 retina tears in 2 month.
Thanks

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

Laser surgery to close retinal holes does NOT treat, cure or reduce floaters. One would except them to "come back".  Yes the laser can kill healthy retinal tissue. The ophthalmologists uses a very delicate aiming beam to limit the damage to a thin rim of normal tissue around the holes.

There is so much disparity in retinal size shape and vitreous factors that "average" is almost meaningless.  A better way to look at what the ophthalmologist said is that you have 80%+ chance of not having any more holes at all.

JCH III MD  Eye Physician & Surgeon