Retinal Detachment a complication of ROP

[Blondie08]

Hello,

I am 24 yrs old and last April in 2007 I had a retinal detachment caused by ROP. I had a vitrectomy done using a gas bubble instaed of the buckle. I think the Dr. said my retina was 40% detached before the surgery. So far a year later my vision in my good eye which the RD occured is better. My question is what are the chances of another RD happening since RD's are a complication of ROP?

My other question is what other complications can arise due to the ROP? I read online that Glaucoma is a complication me being 24 what is the risk of gettting that? from the causes I've seen online doing research most that got glaucoma from ROP got it during childhood. Can you still get it as a comlication as an adult? I'm completely blind in my left eye due to ROP from birth. I'm just wondering how concerned I should be about my right eye. and the percentage of losing vision again either due to another RD or other complications from ROP. I've already got a cateract forming on my good eye.

I also wanted to know are there activities I should avoid to prevent an RD from occuring? Sorry for some many questions.

Thanks

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS]

Yes you could have another RD from ROP (retinopathy of prematurity). There are no studies that I am aware to give your exact odds.

Glaucoma, catararacts and macular problems are other possible problems of  ROP..

Reduce the chance of an RD by avoiding activities that jolt your head around (amusement parks rides), contact sports, yoga where you stand on your head, wear protective glasses all the time, avoid eye hazards (firecrackers, lawnmowers, weedeaters, firearms), wear full eye protection when indicated. Have an annual dilated retina exam by an eye MD. See an Eye MD immediately with sudden floaters, flashes or loss of periptheral vision.

JCH MD

[berrywoo]

I too was diagnosed w/ROP. Last year in Feb. at the age of 23 I suffered a retinal detachment in my left eye which took multiple surgeries to repair and eventually resulted in blindness. Then in Dec. '07 the retina in my right eye detached. Again complications arose causing the retina to repeatedly detach. So far it has been about 10 weeks post-op #4. I've lost a great deal of peripheral vision in my only remaining eye and I've had a lensectomy so I am now aphakic.

Since I'm in a similar situation to yours, I just want to know, what are some coping mechanisms you've learned to deal with reduced vision?

Also, I was wondering what are some, if any,  non-surgical corrective options for aphakia, besides bifocals?

Thanks .

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS]

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[AnnaE]

I think you should perhaps post your question as a new question on the forum, to make sure that it is answered quickly.

I am saddened to hear of your eye difficulties.

I have had five surgeries in my left eye and have only finger-counting vision in that eye. It is also aphakic.

My right eye has never detached. Both of my daughter's retinas detached; thankfully, she recovered.

You might do a search here on "low vision help/aids. Dr. Hagan has mentioned that there are some MD eye doctors who give help with low vision aids.

Support from family and friends is one of the best aids I can think of. Also, communication with other eye patients has helped me tremendously. I was mistreated by my surgeon, so my vision loss recovery has been a time of recuperating from double trauma. I had very little support, except from professional counselors, and the doctors/members of this forum. Thank God I have had those, even if I had little other support.. This also has made my recovery very difficult.

I guess you know that are computer programs/modifications. that will enable you to continue to use the computer. Psychologically, I think it helps to continue to participate in life with all the family/community, as well as those who have lost vision. Be aware that you life can be very rich again, even though you have suffered great losses.

My heart goes out to you. The eye community and expert forums are a source of support for you whenever you need them. I took me a long time to find this community and I am very grateful for the help and support I have received here.

Best,

Anna

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS]

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[berrywoo]

Thanks for your kind words. I admitt there have been some frustrating times, but I've been lucky to have the support of friends and family.
Yes, I've had to make adjustments in my life such as using screen magnifiers to see the computer screen and giving up my driving privileges, but for the most part I try to live as normally as possible.
Hopefully, your right eye will never experience a detachment and your daughter's eyes will remain healthy.

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS]

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