hole in retina

[happymom71]

my mom who is 68 years old had right eye catarct surgery done in march 26 2010.  she wore reading glasses only before surgery.  after the surgery, she has been complaining about discomfort like blurry vision, heaviness, film.  after one test(i do not know the name of the test) she was told that she has a hole in retina of her right eye.  the retina specialist told her that he will decide if he is going to do surgery or not after 4 months. he said that he will do surgery if the hole gets bigger.

1. every hole needs a surgery?  if so, as long as there is a hole, the surgery should be done as soon as possible to prevent vision loss?
sooner is better?
2. is there a case that does not need surgery but no risk of vision loss?
3. I am worried about if she gets worse while she waiting for four months and
if she lose a chance to get simple surgery because she waits.
4. the surgery has no risk or any side effects?
5. what would you advise? it's better to see another doctor?

I am not asking these question because i do not trust the retina specialist but i live in canada and we do not pay any money for medical service.
that is why we often do not get prompt and proper service and lose chances to get better due to waiting.
I would like to pay for my mom if she needs it.

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

Holes can also be sealed with freezing they shut called cryotherapy.

You would need to discuss with her ophthalmologists the overall risk to her eyesight. I suspect the risk is rather small

JCH MD

[happymom71]

Thank you for prompt reply.
I thought that laser surgery is the only way to treat retina hole.
The surgery I talked above is laser surgery.
Are there any other surgery or treatment for retina hole?
Is there a possibility my mom lose her vision?

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

1. No. Some need RX some don't
2. Yes when the risk of surgery outweight the risk of a retinal detachment treatment is not advised
3. Some holes need observation rather than immedaite treatment.
4. All surgery has risks.
5. I would get on the phone and call the retina surgeon and ask your questions. Chances are they can reassure you without the expense of another exam.

JCH MD