vitrectomy

[felonydoggy]

Three years ago I had the air bubble place for detached retina. I developed a cataract and the retina tore again. They removed my lens and placed the oil. I lost my insurance and the oil is still in place and no lens implant. How long can the oil stay and will I regain any vision?

[Houman Vosoghi, MD]

oil should only be kept in the eye if there is absolutely no alternative.  You do need to be monitored for all sorts of long term complications that could arise if you have oil in an eye including glaucoma.  You should consider working out a deal with a retina specialist for a couple of checks a year for a set discounted fee.

HV

[psuoh]

It's been over 5 years post oil based retinal surgery.  I had the oil extracted as soon as possible. My doc didnt want to keep it in the eye for longer than 6 months to prevent immediate cataracts to lens although I had cataracts 2 years later.  Since your lens were taken out your cornea is exposed to the oil.  My cataract specialist also specilizes in cornea.  According to him the oil can damage the cornea cells and will require cornea transplant.    Doctors who specializes in cornea on this forum can conform this.  I am familiar with your situation since I have residual oil and if I end up with 2nd cataract the oil needs to be extracted first before the YAG laser surgery. the oil will leak out  damaging the cornea since the capsule has a hole die to YAG.  Hope this help and good luck.