Retinal Eye Surgery

[blueline9876]

I had to undergo an emergency vitrectomy procedure in both eyes recently and am recovering well. However the one issue that is scary is that - what are the chances or level of risk associated with retinal detachments occuring again? and if they do, is there hope in the future?

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

Good luck.
JCH MD

[blueline9876]

I think that is what must have happened to me. I recall the first signs were somewhat blurry vision and a bit more light sensitivity in my left eye. Since I have a mildly progressive cataract in that eye, I thought it may be just due to that. However on the tenth day I suddenly developed a peripheral curtain coming down from the top in my right eye. The next day I had to be rushed to Hospital and was in surgery for bi-lateral RD the following day.
I appreciate your advice very much.  
Thanks a lot.    

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

Bi-lateral retinal detachments, at the same time are extremely rare unless due to severe trauma. More common is a retina to detach and not cause any symptoms because its very peripheral and not involve the macula, then the second retina detaches, causes symptoms and is discovered then the undiagnosed RD is discovered at the same time.

RD vary so much in size, shape, location, number of holes than only your surgeon could give your risk of a repeat RD.

JCH MD

[blueline9876]

Thanks for your reponse.
I am 54 and have been short-sighted since young age, in the 7-9 range. I had a cataract implant in my right eye about 4 years ago and wear a contact lens in my left eye. I need reading glasses as well. Everything was going well until recently when the bi-lateral retinal detachments occurred literally out of the blue. How common is a bi-lateral detachment? Although I am recovering well, the thought of a re-occurence does not go away and that is why I am trying to ascertain its risk. How common is it to suffer a repeat detachment/s? I may need a left cataract implant in about a year as well.  

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

There are so many reasons to have vitrectomies that I cannot answer you question with anything that would be helpful.  You will need to ask your surgeons about that.
JCH MD