Gas bubble following Vitrectomy

[Fernackerpan]

I had a Vitrectomy for a macular hole almost two weeks ago together with a cataract removed at the same time. At present I can see a black circle with a grey and white interior (very much like a camera lens) which moves or bounces around depending on the position of my head.  I am assuming this is the gas bubble and that it will get smaller and disappear over time? What is most disconcerting is that even with my eye closed I can still see the bubble. Has anyone else experienced this?

Thanking you in advance.

[TennGrand]

Macular hole surgery with big bubble insertion 11 days ago.  And yes I can see the gas bubble with my eye closed.  Also my balance is off because I cannot see with both eyes.  I can see that the bubble is smaller now and hoping it will go away in another 4 weeks. Patience is not my long suit so it will be a long 4 weeks!

[JohnHaganMD]

This is not the type of surgery that can be rushed.

[JohnHaganMD]

Thanks for the positive message.

[niabell]

I am 47 and one week post op for a macular hole.  Guess it can happen at any age - heck, I even have a 7 yo at home still!  So pleased with my results -we found it early so my hole closed the first week.  The Bubble is dissipating very quickly but since the hole is closed, the doctor isn't worried.  7 days posturing wasn't fun, but thanks to Tylenol PM and an incredible support structure, I just slept the days away - usually 18 hours total.  I feel blessed for the whole experience - I went decades taking my eyesight for granted.  This puts it totally in perspective.

[anniesbee]

I am 46 and 4 days post op for a macular hole.  I have a 6 year old at home and an 11 year old!  Bubble still covering all vision but bouncing a little if I move my head.  Posturing is tough and sometimes depressing.  Am going to try the Tylenol PM. Thanks for the suggestion.  I too never thought about my vision until now.  Sometimes we must lose sight to gain insight.

[Allen1969]

none of my business, but is there no one who can help watch the kids for a few more days?  (and since I have Rx for alazopram,, sleep was the easiest way to get 5-6 hours of sleep.. talk to your doc.. but don't even consider Rx if kids depend on you..

I was told 10 min per hour face up for hygiene, 3 ea 30 min food/sponge bath breaks) .. since my hole was upper-outside quadrant, I was able to sleep on side with bed rail and head face down off bed's edge.. (check with doctor)

[SunnyKit]

Oh, and yes, I see gas bubble when open and closed. It has been almost 6 weeks since my vitrectomy with large gas bubble.

[SunnyKit]

I understand your discouragement. My vitrectomy was 5/7/15 and have large gas bubble for macular hole. It has diminished a lot, but still there though some sight back now. Frustrating since need glasses for my non bubble eye, but when wear them I can't see with the bubble eye. Anyway, I am looking forward to getting glasses to help see better maybe in 2 months. I guess I didn't realize that my sight wouldn't really be returned to "normal", but after getting adjusted to that, I am glad I am not blind in that eye since I was for about a month after the surgery. I haven't driven and walked funny since was off balance. I am not yet 60, and didn't know this happened to people in 50's, but anyway, I'm now getting out and trying to focus on the positive - I'm not blind and getting better; and every time I get discouraged, I try to remember there are many people with way worse things than I have, and it will hopefully get better.

[Suebee644]

My op was May 5/15, I still have a perfect circle that I look through, very frustrating.  I spent 4 weeks face down, hard but I did it!  I see the doc on Wed., June 10.  I am getting discouraged, went out for the first time this week, very disoriented.  I'm a 68 yr old female.  Good luck all!