Retinal Tears

[toomanytears]

Has anyone ever had the Laser photocoagulation procedure for retinal tear repair done before? If so, did you find it painful? I am going in for my 10th repair tomorrow and in the past, this procedure has been very very painful. I have only ever taken a couple of extra strength Tylenol before the procedure which only seems to calm my nerves, but does nothing to lessen the pain. I am wanting to try Tylenol 3 before my procedure tomorrow - has anyone ever tried this? And does it help? Is it okay to take beforehand? Not looking forward to tomorrow...

[liz268861]

I went in for this procedure for a tear. The doctor gave me an injection of lidocaine and I woke up in the ER. I had a seizure after the procedure. The last thing I remember was the injection and me waiting for him to come back and do the procedure. He finished the procedure and he said I stood up said I did not feel good and they laid me down then I just sort of went in a trance, unresponsive. Now I am on seizure meds. Going to a neuro doctor tomorrow to find out what is really going on. They said it could have been the flashing laser or the lidocaine. Maybe I will never know.I am just wondering if anyone else has had this happen. But I guess the good thing is the procedure was done and I remember nothing of it.

[Ray T Oyakawa, MD]

Some complain with pan retinal photocoagulation where a 1000 or more spots are put in.  For a retinal tear, it is about 100 to 200 spots.

Dr. O.

[toomanytears]

Thank you for your response. None of your patients have ever complained about the searing pain - like a red hot poker in the eye? Wow. I am flabbergasted because this is the most painful thing I have ever experienced. The procedure you do - is it Laser photocoagulation? I am really, really surprised. I will ask my doctor about the injection of lidocaine. Thank you!

[Ray T Oyakawa, MD]

Your tears are due to the vitreous traction from the uveitis from toxo.  Most of my patient do not experience pain.  You can ask the doctor to give you a subconjunctival injection of lidocaine.  This will help.

Dr. O.

[toomanytears]

I have had ten individual retinal tears (that is what they have been called). 4 in my right eye and 6 in my left. I have been seeing an ophthalmologist for the last 14 years or so due to toxoplasmosis scarring in the back of my eyes. My first tear occurred approx. ten years ago and every couple of years since then, I have had to get a repair or two done. I am extremely nearsighted and almost 50 years old. I understand that nearsightedness can cause the retinal tears. As soon as I see the arc flashing in my eyes, I am in to see my ophthalmologist and sure enough - a tear will be detected. I have had these repaired like I mentioned above, by laser photocoagulation. And it is painful. Can I take Tylenol 3 before the procedure? Will it interfere with anything?

[Ray T Oyakawa, MD]

Are you seeing a retinal specialist?  10 retinal tears are unheard of.  Are you sure he did not say retinal holes.  They do not need treatment.  

Dr. O.