What to expect after laser treatment of retina tear

Six months ago, I suddenly started seeing flashes and floaters in my right eye. I am very near-sighted, 57 years old. I went to a retina specialist and was diagnosed with lattice degeneration and a small tear in my retina. It was repaired with laser. We went out of town 3 days later and I suddenly saw a large cobweb type floater that I had not seen before, so I went to a retina specialist in Panama City and had another tear repaired. Since then, I have had a laser procedure done on both my right and left eye to help to keep them for developing more tears. I have continued to see some flashes and floaters in my right eye. Had the procedure done on my left eye right before Thanksgiving. Four days ago, I suddenly saw flashes and a small floater in my left eye for the first time. Went to the dr. the next day and had a small tear or crack repaired with 202 laser zaps. The Dr. also treated other weak areas.  My eye stayed dialated for several days but two days after the procedure, I suddenly was seeing a lot more cobweb type floaters in my left eye and my vision is still very blurry. I called the dr. on call and he said he could look at me but he felt that what I was seeing was normal for after the laser repair. Do not know what to do. HELP!!

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

flashes of light often continue as the eye heals from the laser and in some cases they last for long periods of time. If the flashes become much more intense, occur during daylight without eye movement, showers of floater like soot get  in the eye, or part of the peripheral vision is lost call the Eye MD on call and report the new findings. Otherwise make an appointment to see your Eye MD this coming week.

JCH MD