GENERAL QUERIES regarding a retinal detachment

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Dear Doctors,

Could you PLEASE answer my questions?
I had my a scleral buckle operation in my right about 1 month ago. Could you please advise me:
1. When should I see my eye specialist again? In 1 , 2 , 3 months?
2. How often should I see my doctor to make sure that my eye(s) are in good condition?
3. Is there a hight risk of having another detachment in the same eye?
4. Can a buckle work for another 30, 40 or 50 years?
5. Is it worth taking eye vitamins and nutrition or is it better to avoid them? Do they contain any 'hazardous' preservatives?
6. Are cosmetics (e.g. eye creams) dangerous for eye health?

Please help; I do not want to make any silly mistakes. The eyes are too precious. THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP AND TIME.

[Doreen Fazio, M.D.]

In this early post-operative period, I would see the specialist every month or so to be sure that your eye is healing well without complications. The frequency of exams will be dictated by what the doctor finds; in other words, if you are doing very well, the doctor may ask to see you again in 6-8 weeks.  For the rest of your life, you should have a dilated retinal exam at least every year, and more frequently (every 6 months) if there are risk factors for detachment in the other eye, for example, high myopia (very nearsighted) or lattice degeneration.  There is a risk of re-detachment in the operated eye if there is another retinal tear develops.  You should be evaluated immediately for any new symptoms of flashing lights or sudden new floaters in either eye.  A buckle can last for decades, as long as there is no erosion of the tissues covering it.  In that case, a repair procedure would need to be done to prevent infection.  There is no evidence that eye vitamins prevent retinal detachment.  These vitamins are used in patients with signs of macular degeneration, and include Vitamins A, C, E; zinc and copper; lutein; fish oil (omega 3).  Do not take Vitamin A if you are a current smoker.  No make-up or eye cream will harm the retina; surface irritation of the eye may occur if the make-up or cream gets onto the eye.

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THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP. GOD BESS YOU.

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Do you think I can return to work now after this type of surgery? Thank you.