Lattice Degeneration/ Tears / Holes/ Treatment? --> Doctors' Opinions Wanted

[PV25]

** I posted this question a couple days ago but I noticed that it must have been accidentally missed ...(others that were posted later than mine have already been answered by a Dr). Your help would be much appreciated.

Hi,

I am a teenager (female) and about a year ago I started seeing large floaters (different shapes/tints, spider-like). Then, about 8 months ago, I started noticing flashes (white, black, etc.) in dark or dim lighting at times. Then, last week I saw a faint pattern of horizontal lines that lasted a few seconds.

I went to an ophthalmologist in October 2008 who then directed me to a retinal specialist because he said he saw a small tear in the periphery of my retina in one eye, and also said I had lattice degeneration. (He thought I should get treatment for the tear) The retina specialist decided to do a follow-up in 6 weeks because he only noticed holes and wasn't 100% sure if there was actually a tear.

I went to my follow-up appointment 2 weeks ago and the Dr. said that there was in fact a tear in 1 eye (along with some holes in both, top/bottom, along with lattice degeneration). He said I could get it treated with laser-surgery to repair the tear/holes (and told me of the risks, i.e. epiretinal membrane forming, etc.), but if I don't get it treated, although a low chance, my retina could detach.

I am not sure if I should treat the tear now, or wait and keep a watch on the tear/holes/lattice every couple months.

I read that after Laser treatment of the Retina tear, floaters and flashes increase? In your opinion:
What happens if I proceed with treatment? What if I don't? Is time of the essence?

I am seeking advice because I realize I am quite young to have this.

If you could give me your opinion I'd appreciate it.

PS: I should also mention that I have benign fasciculations. I have been told this is not related, but I thought I'd let you know.

Also, I have blue sclera and I am nearsighted (prescription 1.25/1.50 and low astigmatism.)

[Sandy Feldman, MD, MS]

Dear PV25,

These questions are excellent.  The blue color of sclera results from thin area of sclera so the underlying uveal tissue is prominent.  The retinal specialist should be guiding you to treat with certain type of tears/holes or not treat with others. I would ask your eyeMD what he/she would do if you were their child. I would also seek a second opinion if you are unsure.

Dr. Feldman

Sandy T. Feldman, M.D., M.S.
ClearView Eye and Laser Medical Center
San Diego, California

[berrywoo]

The latter portion of my first sentence is now erroneous as there appears to be a retinal subspecialist on these forums. (Welcome, Dr. Oyakawa!) However, at the time of my original posting the information was accurate.
This does not change the opinions and info in the rest of the post and I still firmly stand behind it.

[berrywoo]

A forum doctor can only give you so much advice because they have not examined your eyes and none of the forum doctors are retinal subspecialists.

Take my advice: if you really want another doctors opinion talk w/ your parents about actually going to visit another retinal specialist in your area. He/she would be in a better position to guide you.

Depending on the extent and location of the tear time may or may not be of the essence. Without treatment the tear may become a detachment as fluid will seep in and peel the retina away from the back of the eye.
If you do get laser sometimes the scar tissue created by lasering may create traction on the retina and cause a detachment.

Trust me, I may not be a doctor, but I know what I am talking about.

Good luck.