Retinal Holes in Both Eyes.

[Shumla]

Hi,

I'm a 28 years old, male with nearsightedness and astigmatism in both eyes.

I've been wearing glasses since I was 13 (5-5.5 myopia and 1-1.5 astigmatism) and I've been seeing floaters and a - moving curtainlike gray image - in my vision since then.

During a retinal examination last week, it was discovered that I got holes and snail tracks in both of my retinas.

A few doctors have seen my eyes and one of them suggested argon laser procedure.

Yesterday, i went to a well-known professor specialized in retina diseases in my country (Turkey). He said it was true that I had a hole in each of my retinas but they do not need laser procedure right now. He told me that we should consider argon laser in my later ages if necessary. I would be OK as long as I protect my eyes from pressure and strokes.

But, I am still worried by the possibility that my eyes may go worse and I end up in losing my sight. I am about to get married and that possibility of losing my sight is ruining my psychology because I read a lot of negative experiences on the Web.

Question 1: Am I exaggerating my situation? Should I believe in my Doc and go on with my life and career? Or, should I get prepared for a gloomy future? Are there people having a normal life with holes in their retinas without losing their sights?

Question 2: I am a frequent flier. Does cabin pressure worsen the holes in my retinas?

I would be grateful for any kind of answer or comment.

Thank you for your help in advance.

[Shumla]

Thank you for your answer Doctor.

I hope the situation remains stable forever.

And I wish best of luck for everyone having any health problems.

[Ray T Oyakawa, MD]

The chance these hole can cause a problem is less than 1/2%.  The complications of laser treat are 5%.  Also, you probably have lattice degeneration and retinal tears can occur in normal looking retina.  Therefore laser treatment will not prevent all tears.

Airplane travel is not contraindicated.

Dr. O.