retinal detachment

[pauline727]

Had my 3rd surgery yesterday.  They repaired two "holes" and reatached the retina by laser.  Filled eye90% with a gas (SF6?).  I did ask for general anesthesia, and this surgery was so much easier on me.  The doctor examined me today, and said the retina looked "perfect".  

Any Ideas on what I can expect for recover?  I can see light, dark, and color out of the eye.  All is very blury. He says when the "bubble" reduces I will see more.  Has anyone been through this?

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

-

[berrywoo]

Your doctor is correct. Once the bubble starts to get absorbed by the body your vision should improve.
Although in my experience with the SF6 my vision didn't clear up much until the gas bubble was nearly gone. However, with the C3F8 I was able to see clearly w/ a larger percentage of gas fill only if I had my head parallel to the ground. It wasn't until the C3F8 bubble was less than 50% that I could see clearly with my head facing in a normal straight ahead postion.
Keep in mind that your final visual outcome may not be achieved for quite sometime after the bubble has gone. Also, if your macula was detached it's unlikely to get great vision back. Oh, if you experience any severe pain or headaches alert the doctor ASAP as it may indicate a high IOP and as always be on the watch for any symptoms of another detachment.
Good luck with your recovery.

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

We have an extensive number of discussions by people that have had the identical surgery. You should be able to access them by the search feature or reading archives.

JCH MD