Fluid behind the retina

[creekgirl2468]

I have a slight blocked spot in the center of my vision in one eye. I saw an eye doctor yesterday but he couldn't find anything for sure. He referred me to a retinal specialist and said I might have fluid behind my retina but didn't see any sign of a retinal hole or tear. Any ideas? Thanks.

[LT1968]

I am a healthy 43 year old female. No diabetes.  Good health.
I have been near-sided (contact lenses) since age 15.

I was diagnosed with a Detatched retina in December 2011 after three doctors appts. when I complained of "vision like looking thru waxed paper down the left side of my left eye."  It went diagonoised for several months.   I finally went to COSTco Wholesale at their vision center of all places.  Where the dr found the detatched retina right away.
  I had emergency surgery the day after  I was diagnosed and  a Victecomery was done.  December 2  2011

The second surgery to remove silicone  was done in Feb 20.    I followed all doctors orders and used drops several times a day.  
As soon as I had the follow up for the second surgery to remove the eye patch.  I immediately noticed a small perfect black ring (it looks like a slice of black olive)  in the center of my  vision on the effected eye. I CAN see thru the black ring.     I notified the dr immediately and he looked at it and said it was remaining silicone that he must not have completely removed.     My eye pressure was 30 and I was given drops (Brimonidine)  after several follow ups my pressure lowered to the 20's.  I was given the go ahead to get a new Rx for contacts.  This  dr  - the same one at Cost co vision center spent almost 2 hours with me - so patient - and I was at 20/20 with my new contacts.  The new contact lense Rx was nearly the exact same as before the surgery.  I felt great.  Vision with contacts was super! the black ring was still there and one day I discovered another smaller ring next to it.  they DO NOT float - but follow with what I am looking at.  SO IRRITATING!!!!!!  They make me feel nauseous.  After more careful observation in the exam room by my opt. surgeon,  I was then told by my optomolgist/surgeon  that the black rings - (now there are 3) ...were infact NOT silicone but "fluid" behind my retina.  I was given a OCT test and the results were in fact abnormal. Dr stated it was "fluid" behind the retina that may or may not go away.  Since my pressure was still high the dr tried another drop...Lumigan. 1 x nightly.   I had side effects that last all day...very red eyes & VERY achy sore eye.  Dr put me back on the Brimonidine and at my last follow up the pressure was 20.  The uneffected eye is 10.  (No sign of detached retnia in the right eye)  His biggest concern was the pressure.  Its okay now but my eye feels heavy and sore.   (Oh, I've been wearing 100%  polarized sunglasses when ever I go outside regardless of sun or clouds)
On a daily basis, I feel my vision is lessing, ie even with the corrected contact I see a lump in the center of my eye (like if I look at the horizon,,,,the center has a small bump - hope that makes sense)    along with the ANNOYING 3 black rings.   AUGH!!
Dr says - it will take time to see if the fluid will disolve
I have asked EVERY ? possible to dr. but I still feel like he isn't telling me everything because he knows I am very anxious about this.  RIghtfully so, I am so young.  I actually look like I'm in my early 30's.    

Is there anything I can do, eat, take, natural  etc to help speed the process? I've veen taking OPTIVITE vitamins since December right after my surgery.    My doctor is  not even talking about surgery - says my retina was badly detached and doesn't want to risk it to go into surgery again and basically have to disattach the retina to get behind it to remove fluid.  Also says there is no guarentee that it will help or that my vision will be okay after the surgery.

I am so frustrated.  I am a single Mom raising 2 young teenagers.  I have always been a healthy person, never did drugs, smoked etc.  I was never in any kind of accident or victim or trama that caused the detached retina.  
I have googled every bit of information - I can find regarding my topic.
I am looking for some answers or alternatives etc.  Even if you Can you please share any SUCCESS stories regarding my issue.  or if there is anyone else that has had similar story and treatment etc.  What happen in your case?  
I have A LOT TO SEE in my next chapter of life and I don't feel selfish to say I need both eyes working!

Thank you so much in advance.  Sorry so many type o's - - I really haven't been on the computer much...

Thanks for your help
Laura

[Doreen Fazio, M.D.]

You did not state your age, but in younger patients, there is a condition called central serous retinopathy which can cause fluid in the macula (center of the retina).  Older patients may have the fluid caused by macular degeneration.  Also macular edema is a common problem in diabetics.  Clarify the diagnosis with your retina specialist.  Testing might include pictures of the retina (OCT) or a dye study (fluorescein angiogram).