Multiple retinal detachments - long term future concerns

[loubanachek]

-I'm a 51 yr. old male in overall good physical condition - no issues with BP, cholesterol, cancer, weight, or anything else.  Did cardio (incline walk/elliptical) 3-4x's/wk. and weight training 3x's/wk. - nothing extreme, just trying to stay in good overall health.  I was highly myopic (-7.5 in both eyes) until LASIK surgery 10 years earlier which was very successful  (20/20 in right eye, 20/15 in left).  Unfortunately, 9 months ago (on Christmas Day) after several days of flashers/floaters in my right eye, I went to ER and then an on-call ophthalmologist, and had surgery that evening to repair a detached retina and had a scleral buckle placed in the eye.  Also found a retinal tear in my left eye (no symptoms) and repaired with cryotherapy.  
-All was going well, had been cleared to resume all activities, planning to remove a cataract in right eye, and then 3 months later the retina detached again and had surgery the next day; also removed my eye lens .  Same doctor stated there was significant retinal scarring after first surgery, and not confident in long term success after 2nd procedure.  At my one-week follow up, it had detached again, and went to Bascom Palmer in Miami and had 3rd surgery the next day.  Flattened my retina and lasered multiple breaks all over retina - looked like laser scars around the entire "circle" my eye from the surgical diagram.  Placed silicone oil which has been in for 5+ months with no new issues and scheduled to remove the oil next month.  Will have an artificial lens placed sometime later if no new issues.  Surprisingly good prospect for future vision per my doctor.  Left eye has had no issues since repair of retinal tear, and still is 20/15 vision.  Retinal specialist has been great, and I haven't talked too much about my long-term future, however...
-I have two lingering concerns - would appreciate any thoughts/suggestions:  1) I was an avid golfer, and have been restricted from lifting anything over 15 pounds or physical activity for past 5 months, and for several more to come due to future remaining procedures.  Doctor is purposely taking very conservative approach in this regard.  Wondering if I'll need to alter my physical routines (and golf) for the rest of my life, or if I'm worrying too much about another detachment, and 2) Since the first surgery, and still today, I have diplopia (double-vision) in my right eye, with the second image tilted left and downward, which has become more distracting as my vision has improved, and will be even more problematic when my artificial lens is implanted.  Any thoughts on prism glasses vs. eye muscle surgery, or other option(s)?  Eye muscle surgery is scary if any risk of causing another detachment.  But it would be a shame to have decent/good vision after this long journey, only to have to close my right eye due to double vision.  Still, I feel pretty lucky to have a chance at decent vision in my right eye again.
-Sorry such a long post...would love to get some insight or hear from anyone with similar experience.  Thanks!

[pinhole]

I actually do have the eye muscle problem from a scleral buckle surgery to repair a detached retina in my right eye. (I've had retinal detachments in both eyes.) And the second image is slanted, like yours.

Please stay optimistic that there will be a way to manage, if not totally resolve, your double vision! I often had to put one hand over my eye just to go down stairs or walk down the street. Putting a strip of cellophane tape down the middle of the lens of the affected eye helped. (It's binocular double vision since it occurs only when both eyes are used and disappears when I use either eye alone.)

Once I got to a strabismus specialist, I started with a stick-on Fresnel prism, then ground-in prism glasses, and am now recovering from strabismus surgery. Lots of research, lots of consultations at my initiative, lots of patience with a very long, and continuing, process.

Sending you best wishes!

[JohnHaganMD]

=

[chazas]

I don't have the eye muscle problems, but in the past 18 months have had detachments and tears, two vitrectomies, a scleral buckle, an epiretinal membrane, PRK, and cataract surgery in both eyes. Hang in there.  If your docs are saying you have a good chance at good future vision, that's fantastic. I'm not quite done with all my issues - but almost, and my vision is pretty good.  Best of luck.

[JohnHaganMD]

indeed

[loubanachek]

Thank you Dr. Hagan.  I was actually inspired by you to post about my situation, because of seeing your countless contributions to inform and encourage others online.  I've struggled at times this year with my psyche, but I've also seen others far worse off than me, so I'm thankful more than anything else at this point.  I'm honored that you took the time to share your thoughts and kind words.  Hope you are doing well!    

[JohnHaganMD]

Thank you

[JohnHaganMD]

Certainly you have had a huge ordeal to cope with. Bascom Palmer is among the absolute best in the world and I would remain there for future care if possible. They also have a very strong strabismus (eye muscle problem) department and can help you with the troubling double vision.  There is a hierarchy of treatment of adult double vision and if prism glasses work its not likely they will recommend surgery, that likely only if prism glasses don't work.

Once things settle down I cannot conceive they would object to your playing golf.  Most eye surgeons do not restrict post-RD patients from running/jogging.  With proper eye protection (a given now for EVERYTHING) even swimming, tennis are likely okay.

Best of luck.