When can I put contacts in after retina surgery? Experience

[Mcq0823]

Hi all

25 yr old who had sceral buckle and a 6 week gas bubble placed in my eye for a retinal detachment. I have gone to the doctor about 4 times and they say the retina is staying attached and looking good. The gas bubble is still in (and highly annoying. Before the operation I was a major contact wearer and didn't have any back up glasses

So now I am stuck with a contact in m good eye and nothing in my bad eye. I was a -5.00 in the bad eye before the operationa nd as it was explained, my script is going to change, I know that over the next few months...but i would like to start seeing something out of the eye (not to mention its kinda tough keeping the eye open when I see 20/20 out of the good eye)

I asked my doctor when I can put a contact in there (since she thinks its pointless to get glasses) and she said I could put my old script of contact in the bad eye now,if i wanted to (since my eye is recovered froms surgery)

I still have about 10-15 percent of the gas bubble left. Does this sound ok to everyone else? I am nervous to put something in the operated eye, as when something like this happen you kinda get freaked out. However I am anxious to start seeing something out fo the operated eye. I know I am def more nearsighted now but I figure putting that int here could atleast help me seeing more (i.e. especially driving)

Any thoughts?

[JohnHaganMD]

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[mattycamm]

I have lots of thoughts, as I have just gone through two of these surgeries.  It happens that I am a physician as well.

In regard to the question of contact lenses after RD, first, know that the refraction and fit are completely different after surgery and recovery.  Also, know that it is risky to use and handle contacts lenses as long as you continue to need eyedrops -- especially steroid drops, which raise the risk of eye infection.

[omfi]

This was very helpful--thanks.  I was told I could put my contact back in, but am still on the steroid eye drops for another week & appreciate the reminder that infection potential is higher w/ steroids.

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

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[MrPresley]

I used glasses exclusively after I had a vitrectomy/ERM peel with gas bubble and following subsequent cataract surgery, and only went back to wearing contacts after two months or so had passed and all Rx eye drop usage had ended.

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

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[Heelguy]

I am 1-month post-RD. Scary.  My recommendation to anyone reading this board and concerned they may have a detachment, RUN to an opthomologist, NOT an optometrist, if you see flashing lights or a curtain in your vision. I saw the curtain.  Actually, I saw a HUGE floater two weeks before the RD. My optometrist said it was normal. She did NOT see the tears that existed in BOTH eyes.

I am done with optometrists. I will only go an optho in the future. Sorry, but my optometrist, in my opinion, almost cost me my vision. She DID, again in my opinion, cause me a lot of discomfort.

[kris12347]

hi am 37 and just had retinal detachment in my right eye and a slight tear in my left.  I was a 3 month early premee and have the family history.  I had surgery in my left eye at the age of 16.  I had the gas bubble in rgt eye and am an advid contact wearer.  However I am only two weeks out and cant wearmy contacts,,,they hurt itch, dry eyes, etc,,,, any sugestions?

[Bartsrock]

My son 23, just had his done with air bubble and silicone. Also froze his r. Eye so hopeful it will not happen again. Very scary, first i have heard of scar tissue. What is your status now?

[AppleBr]

                                                :-)
   Thanks for you uptodate.either.
One of the best things here is when you met again an RD pal you knew posting desesperated and s/he is really phisicaly fine and hopefull nowadays!!!
That is as good as to be fine yourself!!!
Thank goodness I'm also being luck, so I can be  twice thankful: for me and for my folks.
If there's some to learn about RD is : no one deserve that!
Big hug, friend!