excessive scar tissue

[yfriends1]

So how many surgeries is to many on the eye.  My husband had 1st in October 2010.  And just had 2nd Feb 2011.  They put the oil back and said there was to much scar tissue and they cleaned it up and now we have to wait again.  So how many is to many? and when should one get a second opinion.

[Houman Vosoghi, MD]

If the retina is damaged enough, sometimes the oil is left in place permanently.  High risk of developing glaucoma in the future, so must be checked frequently with eye pressure checks if this is the case (once every 3-4 months).  Inflammation from the oil is another concern.  But you have to do what you have to do to save the eye now and worry about potential complications as they arise.

HV

[yfriends1]

Has anyone ever just left the oil in place?  Do you have to remove the oil?  If you don't remove the oil can complications develop?  My husband has already had his lens replaced for catatract surgery.  I have a friend that they just left the oil in place and it has been 20 years. M

[Houman Vosoghi, MD]

OK then.  This kind of scar tissue from a bad retinal detachment is called PVR (proliferative vitreoretinopathy).  It is very difficult to control or slow down and there is no obvious medication that has helped much.  Unfortunately surgery is the only way to try and deal with it if it is causing traction and more tears and detachments etc.  Good luck.  Unfortunately, oil frequently becomes necessary to keep the retina attached.

HV

[yfriends1]

I suppose it was because of terrible detachment.  The Dr. said he had six tears and one was about as big as it can get.  He said he cleaned it up and laser the entire eye around again.  Thanks for the feedback. He is 57 and the Dr. said younger patients usually have isssues with scar tissue.  Is there a way to slow the scar tissue `- maybe with drugs?

[Houman Vosoghi, MD]

Depends what the problem is and how healthy the eye is.  I'm assuming you are dealing with diabetic damage to the back of the eye.  That's what usually leads to bad enough scarring that you need oil in the eye.  Eyes that usually require oil to keep the retina attached are pretty unhealthy either from diabetes, a vascular occlusion with neovascularization of the retina, or a terrible retinal detachment.  Can't put a number on the surgeries but the more that is required the less likelihood of ending up with good vision in that eye.

HV