retnia detachment fear

[chaz707]

I am 50 yrs old and nearsighted -5.50 right eye and 4.50 left eye. No family history of retnia problems but heard someome talk about it the other day now im scared to death I will get a detached retnia !!  I have heard I shouldn't shoot shotguns anymore, man this is sad.

I get regular eye exams by an opthamoglist and other than my bad vision he hasnt said anyhing , pressures are good etc.

How likely am I to have a RD ??  And should I quit hunting ??

[chaz707]

nothing showed up as a comment, did you leave more insight ??

Thank you for your time and help, I do NOT wish to stop hunting

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

-

[chaz707]

no Id rather not stop hunting just asking a few questions, sorry. I see an Opthalmoligist that does surgery and I have dialation exams

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

-3.50 R and L

Look you can come to your own decision. Also suggest you see a retina Eye MD for a detailed retina exam and to discuss the issue.

If you will feel better stopping hunting so be it

JCH MD

[chaz707]

Humm well Ok glad to hear it. I  Googled it and there is many articles saying to not shoot 12 gage and hi recoil guns if you have risk factors for RD.

Have you ever had a RD or retinal prob ?? How hi a script are you ??

I was getting ready to sell my guns and so depressed thinking about this. I do have some floaters but have had for years

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

Yes you are myopic but not "high myopia".  I have never read an article about shooting causing RD.  I'm myopic and hunt and target shoot all my life

JCH MD

[chaz707]

For real ?? Isnt my script a severe nearsighted ?? No one in the family has had RD but I probably have the worst vision ???

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

1. Assuming you do not have a family history of RD and have not had cataract surgery your risk is about one in 6000.
2. Shoot anything you want up to and including 10 gauge or .50 cal


JCH MD