Dilated pupil after Retinal Detachment Vitrectomy Surgery

[MattXD]

On 10/16/2017 I had a vitrectomy to repair my detached retina. I was given atropine drops before the surgery and that was the ONLY time I had them. After the surgery, I was given antibiotic drops a lotemax for the inflammation. I am now almost six weeks post op with about 30% of the bubble remaining in my eye and the eye IS STILL dilated. I do not know what is wrong and my doctor hasn't given me a clear answer at all. I have read and read about the complications of the surgery and this isn't even listed nor was I informed of such a complication. Is this a normal occurrence? Will it go away? I just need to know something. Right now my doctor has me on Alphagan drops because apparently one of its off label uses is to aid in pupil constriction... however, no change has occurred what so ever. Any information or details would help.  

[JohnHaganMD]

I hate to tell you but a permanently dilated pupil is not at all uncommon after retina/vitreous surgery especially if a scleral buckle was applied. The pupil may react but be larger than the fellow unoperated eye or it may be 'blown" and not constrict at all.  Alphagan is often prescribed for lasik patients that have problems with pupils dilated at night but not likely to help your problem at all. Generally you have to wait about 3 months to know if its permanent.  There are many cases described on this website which you can access using search feature, these include "traumatic iridoplegia" after trauma directly to eye or the trauma of surgery or laser or freezing (croytheraphy).