gas bubble

I had a detached retina over christmas and had the gas bubble procedure 12/27.  Something wasn't right and I had scleral buckle surgery 1/22/08.  My vision is still blurred and I still have the gas bubble in my visiion.  Now the gas bubble seems to have formed a smaller bubble that is attached.  Since no one has told me how this bubble will be reabsorbed, I don't know if this is normal or what to expect. Also, I am now told I have a cataract on that eye.

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

If the "bubble" is air or a gas called SF-6 it will slowly absorb over days to 6-8 weeks. If the bubble is silicone oil it will stay there until its removed.

You need to get specific information from your retina surgeon. If you do feel comfortable with the answers then get a second opinion. You can find another retina Eye MD for a second opinion at www.aao.org

JCH III MD

[mlauri]

Dr. Hagan, thank you for answering.  My daughter tells me I have a gas bubble.  Is it normal for the bubble to form small bubbles.  Overnight two more small bubbles appeared.

Thanks again.

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

Yes, think how soap bubble change while you watch them. I would however report it to your retina Eye MD.

JCH III MD

[barby662]

HI!  How are you?  remember I reported my air bubble; it has been 3 months and 1 week; the surgeon says it will go away over time; it did finally crush; the last week but i still have it; the nurse said to give it two more weeks; is there something that can be done for avastin?  My bleeding was all stopped and I don't need any more injections!  I had the dye test; and wet macular was ruled out; it was only a hemorrhage around the retina related to high blood pressure; but i have that under control now; but i wanted to know; the eye doctor says it will definitely go away.  just be patient i was given zylet antibiotic drops and that has helped speed it up some.  Let me know is there anything else or just wait it out?  It is getting more tolerable; i really had a rough swimming around a bubble going into a pool of water 24/7 but it is more tolerable; it seems to be week to week situation; does that mean it is going away if I see more holes in the bubble?  I can see it reflecting in my glasses and there are more holes in the bubble.  How will it go away?  will it just shrink up?  Thanks doctor!  

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

If your Eye MD is not sure even after having looked in your eye there is no way that I can tell you anything more precise. You will need to keep getting info from your surgeon.

JCH III MD

[rusty1943]

My blood pressure is 160/98 and after an evening of very active ball room dancing and looking up at large bright chrystal lighting my heart raced all night and I started seeing a black cresent floater and a few black see through clouds in the day and perriphal white streaks of light in the dark.  Could they be caused by high blood pressure or over excerting myself?  The Dr. just told me to come back next month or if I see more floaters and flashes.  How much more,  I'm worried!     Rusty1943

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

In a healthy person exertion would not cause that, I suppose very high BP might. See your FP or GP for a general physician exam and to check you heart and blood pressure.  You BP is way WAY too high and you should be under treatement especially if you were born in 1943.  Your eyes can be damaged from HBP as well as your brain, heart and eyes.

JCH IIII MD

[AnnaE]

Ask your retinologist or the nurse how much you can exert yourself. My retina specialist gave me specific instructions that changed every few weeks. This is very important, as is your BP, of course.

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

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[barby662]

Hello:  This is barb; well guess what!!!!!  My bubble finally broke into several little bubbles!  last night; so is that a sign now that it is going?  Thanks for your support.  Barb.  It just happened last night and my husband saw several bubbles i am very relieved now.  I guess it just takes a long time; but does that mean it is broken up?  Thanks

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

generally speaking yes.

JCH

[barby662]

Thanks for your help Dr. Hagan!  I really appreciate it very much; i found out that avastin is not silicone oil but VGEF!  I really appreciate your reassurance!  Thanks again!  I will let you know when it is all reabsorbed!  This has been frustrating with it swimming around.  :)

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

you are welcome