Can the cause of my post retnal detachment surgery be caused by sclerobuckle and the fact that I have no lens in that eye?

[mred616]

In November of 2003 I had retinal detachment of my right eye.  After many surgeries and procededures I ended up losing 99 % of the vision in that eye.  I only see the bright lights that enter my eye.  I have a sclerobuckle and right eye victrectomy with fluid exchange.  The lens of that eye was removed due to a major cateract and new lens was never inserted  I also still have an oil bubble in the eye to prevent thisis (pardon my spelling,,,tie-sis) (shrinking of the eye).  For the past month or more my eye has been very very sensitive to the light (natural or artificial light).  I wear very dark sunglasses and it helps somewhat but it is still very uncomfortable. It tears almost constantly.  I would like the buckle removed and a lens also inserted but, my doctor says it would not help.  I am so desperate that I also asked him to remove the eye and put a false one in.  I can not even look up with out sheilding my eye.  Do you think it is possible that a lens can be inserted to alleviate the problem?  Or is there a black light blocking lens that can be inserted?  Do not suggest a contact lens as I have tried that and could not get use to it as it was VERY uncomfortable.   I hope you have some suggestions for me I am at my wits end.  I am employed as a letter carrier and am outside at least 6 hours aday.  It is very difficult to get through most days.  Thank You for any and all suggestions.
                                                                         Sincerely
                                                                         Ed Massa
                                                                         Tamarac Florida (Broward County)

[AnnaE]

We are nearly in the same boat. I am sorry about your vision loss, and that it affects your job, too..

I have silicone oil in my eye. My 5th surgery was 4 1/2 months ago. I use the kinds of drops the doctor recommends. I do not have pain, but my eye is doing far better than we expected. The pressure is up from 0 to 6.

See your doctor about the drops; consider a second opinion, also, with a retinologise.

I hope your eye is much better..

[Michael J Kutryb, MD]

At present it sounds like strong anti-inflammatory drops and cylcoplegic drops like atropine are the first option.  If still  no relief from that - then it gets much more complicated.  Usually the eye would  not be removed unless it was totally blind and painful.  That may be where you are headed in the not to distant future.  Lens surgery will do nothing to help - you are way, way past that stage.

MJK MD