Retinal detachment

[panda123889]

Do anyone have scleral buckling surgery before? My girl is 13  and half years old and extreme myopia-12. She just has Lasar surgery 5 days ago due to  little  tiny hole in her retina. But after the surgery, the doctor said
he found out she got tiny detached and have some fluid underneath the retina. He said that the laser surgery may be not working.That could be  only 50 percent chance to fix it. Scleral buckling is another step to help. 27th is the ffollow up date.I am so worried for everyday to pray for her but I like someone give me some advice.Even though I read a lot of article relating this type of surgery but still
feel very worried.
1. How long will recover if  scleral buckle?
2. Does she need to change the buckle since she is still growing?

Worried mom

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

The cardinal rule of retina surgery is the fluid won't go away unless all holes are closed. It the laser closed the hole(s) then the fluid should go away over the next 6 weeks or so.

It the hole isn't sealed the fluid may persist and she could need buckled or re-buckled.

Given how long he sent her next appointment I would gather that the amount of fluidis small and the prognosis good. With large amounts of fluids exams would likely be done weekly.

JCH III MD

[cristina1676]

to answer your question, no i didnt have the buckle when i was 11.  my left eye only developed up to the 7th month in the womb and was never considered healthy.  the re-attachment never took and i lost all the sight i had.  i really never had much sight in the left eye, so whatever i lost was not missed. i am extremely nearsighted and they say that can cause RD.  

[Padgham]

While I am considerably older than your daughter I had a scleral buckle operation performed (under local anesthesic) and had no pain or difficulties.  Apart from posturing for a couple of days I experience no other problems.  

Suggestion for anyone wanting to make their own posturing device - I fixed a brand new kids padded training toilet seat onto a board on which I was able to lay.  My face fitted perfectly into the 'frame' and the seat provided much needed support for the duration.

Good luck with the procedure.

  

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

We try to answer all questions within 24 hours. I believe we may be the only forum that does that. We understand your concern. Good Luck and Merry Christmas.

JCH III MD

[cristina1676]

i had the scleral buckle in 2006 and i am fine. i still see some floaters, but your brain eventually ignores them. my dr said that my retina is stronger now than before the detachment.   i had my first RD at age 11 in the left eye and the right eye at age 32.  i dont think you will have to change the buckle...the first week was the hardest. you have to keep your head in a certain position and if the dr puts a bubble in the eye (stabilize the retina) it can be scary. what state are you in? im in NJ and have the #1 rated retina surgeon.

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

Hopefully you child will not hae to have a scleral buckle but if she does in most cases she should be able to return to school in a few days. It may be a couple of months before full activity in sports is allowed. There is a great deal of variability and it is hard to generalize. You will need to rely on the advise of your Eye  MD retina surgeon.

The buckle is normally not replaced or removed.

JCH III MD

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

My best suggestion is to see another retina specialist and get a second opinion. Since I have no idea how much fluid is inolved and where it is in the eye and a host of other factors I can't answer your questions.

Find another retina surgeon at www.aao.org

JCH IIIMD

[panda123889]

Dear Dr. John C Hagan III:

We had a followup eye checkup today. Our doctor said that our daughter's subretinal fluid is less- (after 6 weeks since laser surgery). He mentioned that it could take months to absorp completely and that there is no haste to do a buckle until we fully understand the situation.

To get a benchmark, he took pictures of the fluid location and the amount. He requested that we return in month for another follow up.  

Does it take months for the fluid to reabsorp ?  What happens if we decide to not do the buckle surgery ?  What are the risks ?  

Regards,

Worried Mom

[panda123889]

Dear Dr. JCH III:

We had a followup eye checkup today. Our doctor said that our daughter's subretinal fluid is less- (after 6 weeks since laser surgery). He mentioned that it could take months to absorp completely and that there is no haste to do a buckle until we fully understand the situation.

To get a benchmark, he took pictures of the fluid location and the amount. He requested that we return in month for another follow up.  

Does it take months for the fluid to reabsorp ?  What happens if we decide to not do the buckle surgery ?  What are the risks ?  

Regards,

Worried Mom

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

You are welcome. Good Luck.
JCH III MD

[panda123889]

Thank you so much for your quick reply, I will update you the final outcome.

Worried Mom

[panda123889]

Dr. Hagan:

After the followup visit, our doctor said that the laser surgery seem to be working in the right direction. He mentioned that there is less fluid behind the retina, but it is too early to tell the final outcome. He wants to check my daughter's eye over the next 2 -3 months.

How long will it take for the sub-retina fluid to reabsorb ? What is the probability of the laser surgery working to help to remove the fluid ?

Regards,

Worried Mom

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

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

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[panda123889]

Thank you for your advice. I am very surprised that you replied me back at the same day on Sunday Dec 23. I am very appreciated for your attention.

Worried mom

[panda123889]

Thank you so much for your advice. You said you have first RD at age 11 in your left eye. What did they do for you ? Laser surgery ?
I am in Colorado. My doctor is # 1 too they said.