scar tissue in retina repaired eye

[barney54]

had retina detachments in both eyes - left eye had 3 detachments 5 operations leaving me with 2400 vision - right eye has one detachment repaired 2+ years ago - now have scar tissue in that eye from cataract surgery which accompanied my retina surgery.  I understand that laser surgery can correct this scat tissue issue with a risk of another retina detachment - my vision is currently fair - except seeing golf balls fly - is the risk of laser surgery advisable given the fact I only have one functioning eye - thank you - Barney

[Sandy Feldman, MD, MS]

Dear barney54,

Only you can determine whether you want to take any risk to your good eye, no matter how uncommon the risk of laser is.  If your symptoms are not particularly bothersome, I would recommend waiting; however, if they are affecting the quality of life significantly,  I would definitely recommend an examination with a retinal eyeMD before proceeding.

Dr. Feldman

Sandy T. Feldman, M.D., M.S.
ClearView Eye and Laser Medical Center
San Diego, California

[CSBDR]

The risk of re-detachment of your retina after YAG laser capsulotomy is low, especially if your retina was repaired with a scleral buckle.  If your doctor feels the loss of vision is due to the film behind your IOL, it should be hard not to proceed with capsulotomy based on potential risk.  Just keep your scheduled post-laser follow-ups and report ANY new flashes or floaters.