4 months post vitrectomy question about dilation

[tinad712]

My husband had a detached retina in Sept and had the oil bubble procedure.  He went to his post op appts and additional checkups and 5 weeks later he had another tear so they did another surgery and put in the gas bubble.  (That was in November).  His doctor told him it would be healed by now, but he went to do his DOT physical today and guess what.... HE FAILED.......  

He has 2 weeks to retake the DOT exam and if he doesn't pass he won't be getting his DOT card and he won't be able to work.  

The doctor definitely has not been very good about giving instructions, information or anything although he's supposed to be one of the best retinal specialists in the US....

My question is how long is normal for eye to be dilated after 2 surgeries on the eye?  Is there anything we can be doing to help to get his eye moving in the right direction?  

I am freaking out because my husband carries our health insurance and all the benefits for the household.  IF he loses his job, we lose benefits and everything.....  

This has been a really rough day in our house today and any and all suggestions would be greatly appreciated

[Houman Vosoghi, MD]

Just ask the retina specialist very direct questions.  Why is his vision so poor?  Does he consider the eye to be legally blind?  Is there a chance that he just needs a new pair of glasses from a big refractive change?  Sounds like you need some clarification about the prognosis first.

HV

[tinad712]

He failed because he couldn't even read the HUGE E on the first line of the eye chart.  He does have what the doctor called a VERY small cataract but that should not prevent him from seeing at all out of that eye.  I realize cataracts can limit vision but generally you have some limited sight.  

I am just severely frustrated since his doctor kept telling him everything was good/perfect, etc. and we're four months out and he can't see.  

[Houman Vosoghi, MD]

Depends why he failed the test.  Go see another ophthalmologist who can check and see whether he's developed a cataract, a need for a new pair of glasses, etc.  If the problem is stemming from the retina, you should be able to ask the retina specialist what is going on and if the vision can be improved.  In some states, even after failing the test, they will take a doctor's examination and recommendations into account prior to making any drastic decisions.

HV