Blind in right eye & need surgery in left to repair retinal tears

[tjarmusz]

I’m 38 year-old photographer who is fairly active and legally blind in my right eye. I had corrective surgery for amblyobia when I was 5 without incident. I’ve been a in a few fights when I was younger and a few years ago I got glass in my good (left) eye when a fluorescent bulb broke over my head. They found no debris, but I see minor black floaters near the center.

The strain on my good eye has caused it to weaken. I went in to have my glasses upgraded and the Dr. noticed what he called giant holes in my retina. He referred me to a specialist and the specialist said there were 3 retinal tears (I think he said large). These are not affecting my sight, but the fear is that the retina will become completely detached and then I’ll be in trouble. He recommended laser photocoagulation surgery to repair the damage. He said if I wait maybe a detachment wouldn’t occur, but with 3 tears it’s a lot more likely.

Since this is my only good eye, I am quite concerned. If the surgery goes wrong or if there’s excess scaring etc. I’m done. Not sure if it affects the eye, but my body heals very slow and scars very deep. Even a 20% decrease in my already bad vision would make me unable to drive, photograph etc. He assured me it is routine and low risk, but Las Vegas isn’t known for its quality of medical care. Given than there are three tears and it is my only working eye, I want to hear your thoughts. Any advice you have would be greatly appreciated.

[tjarmusz]

Thank you for replying Dr. Fazio. I appreciate it. It appears that this preemptive surgery is the lesser of two evils. Inshallah.

[Doreen Fazio, M.D.]

You need the laser to prevent a retinal detachment.  The amount of scarring with a retinal laser in the periphery of the retina should not affect your vision, but if you developed a retinal detachment, you need surgery not just laser.  If you are not happy with the retina surgeon in Las Vegas, come to LA; there are many excellent retina specialists here.  I could recommend the David Boyer group in North Hollywood, Dr. Robert Engstrom in Encino, Dr. Sandy Lee in Van Nuys, and Dr. Tom Hanscom in Santa Monica.