ongoing retinal detachment saga.. silicone oil

[dalla31]

Hi
my husband suffered a really bad detachment about 2 years ago which was fixed with a 4hr procedure, he had 17 holes/tears in it, it was fixed with cyro and gas bubble.  Since then its re-detached, and he's now got silicone oil in , he's had ongoing problems with high pressure, inflammation, cataracts and scaring.
He had an appointment on friday and they say he has got another detachment, we have always been told this wasn't possible with the oil in the eye which was why the dr's have always said they planned to leave the oil in indefinately... so am a bit concerned on how it can have happened.
Also it was revealed that apprently there has always been fluid behind the retina since the last surgery, apparently this was in his notes but has never been told to us..is this usual?

Feeling pretty down hearted now, and not sure what is gonig to happen on monday when we go back to see his original surgeon for a closer look...
any help?

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

As I"ve said many times retina-vitreous cases are all unique and different. Only your surgeon can answer those questions. Since you are obviously and understandably anxious I suggest you get on the phone and call their office and pose your questions.

JCH MD

[jonni99]

I was just informed by my retinal surgeon's office (it was his technician who got back to me) that my retina cannot re-detach while the silicone oil is in my eye. I've had two surgeries in the last two months: The first involved vitrectomy and gas bubble in my RD (right) eye, plus preventative cryopexy in my "good" (left)eye, which appeared ripe for an RD (lots and lots of lattice adhesions). After 3 weeks I became aware that the images being produced by my right eye were growing increasingly watery and distorted, and sure enough, I learned that my retina was re-detaching. My second surgery (3 weeks ago) involved the insertion of silicone oil, leaving me with very blurry vision. Now I'm not sure whether I am just anxious about another re-detachment, or whether my already-blurred vision is, in fact, growing increasingly watery and distorted. I was relieved when the doctor's office said a detachment can't occur while the oil is in place, but now I believe that may not be correct. Is it possible that I am continuing to develop scar tissue and/or having leakage behind the retina, even with oil in my eye? If so, how long can I/should I wait to be seen? It's now Wednesday, and I'm scheduled to visit my surgeon again next Monday.

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

These type of problem and these types of surgery are an ordeal, difficult for the patient and family.  

Good luck, never forget protect the good eye from disesease and injury. Never go longer than 12 months without an ophthalmologist checking the good eye.

JCH MD

[dalla31]

ok.. update..
had the appointment today and yes it has detached again but not too badly apparently but some of the oil has leaked throguh to the fornt of the eye and emulsified so... surgery time again :( 4th tine lucky, and an oil change to go with it.

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

It's a bad problem. Making saving the other eye your #1 priority.
JCH MD

[dalla31]

thanks for the comment and for clarifying aobut the oil not 100% preventing another detachment that was my main question.
I know all the surgery and treatments have been necessary and that he's never really had a great prognosis form the start as it was such a bad one to begin with.. just very disheartening to watch him go through surgery, all the drops and recovery for weeks then months and months of poor almost zero vision just to have it happen again :(
Not really sure what surgeons will suggest next, we are thinknig it will be a buckle but I am worried over this as heard lots of negatives about pains etc and just don't want him to end up with chronic pain and still no better off vision wise.
Guess we will see on Monday, just wanted to post and hear abit of friendly advice and support from the guys on here.
i have read a lot of posts and threads on this site since he fhad his first detachment and it has really helped to have my own knowledge as my hubby is a bit bad at taknig stuff in from the dr's and I can be ready with questions.
so 'thanks' to all on here for that! x

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

Without the treatments you describe the eye goes blind completely. Even with treatment the eye is often left with poor vision. Silicone oil is reserved for the most difficult cases. It does not guarentee that the retina will not re-detach or that fluid will not collect under the retina.

The most important thing is protecting the good eye from disease, injury or a detachment in it. The risks of an RD in the other eye are high around 6-10% in some studies.

JCH MD