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Retinal Tear Laser Surgery

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rose912910
rose912910

I recently went to a retinal specialist because I was getting some flashes now and then and a lot of floaters and she told me I had a retinal tear that actually had tried to repair itself but said she would do the laser retinal repair surgery to prevent it from opening. The doctor acted as though it was very low risk and I went a long because I feared any vision loss and I didn't think there were common complications. Since the laser a few days ago I have this blank black/gray spot in my lower peripheral. Sometimes I see it more than others like in certain lighting or if I'm moving my head a lot. Sometimes it even just looks like a little light. I told the doctor about it and she says she thinks it's from the inflammation from the laser and should resolve but there might be a chance that the spot will remain but I'll only see it if I try to look for it and most people don't notice it. I notice everything however and I am only 24 and have good peripheral vision so it's a big deal for me. I was wondering if anyone had this experience and saw the spot and over time it disappeared. I saw a post in another forum that someone had the cyro procedure, saw what sounded similar to what I was seeing and it eventually disapeared. Any comments on experiences with this retinal tear laser would be helpful. Thank you.

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  • doug75871
    doug75871 rose912910

    Posted

    Hi all

    I’m really struggling and wanted to reach out.  I have a blind spot near nasal in right eye from laser surgery.  I’m so frustrated bc one week I don’t notice it and then next week it seems so pronounced and a ton of flickering and shimmering.  I can also see a crescent shaped image where they did laser and that annoys me.  When it acts up I start getting scared that I am getting a detachment.  I can’t keep going to eye doc sad

    Just need to vent 

    • jes2000
      jes2000 doug75871

      Posted

      I'm reading this as I'm at the eye doctors. It's always worth it to go in and get checked and to express your concerns or explain them. But I'm here right now for the exact same reason. Shimmering near the top right corner of my nose in specific lighting. 

    • jes2000
      jes2000 doug75871

      Posted

      Hey Doug. Just finished up. 

      My doctor looked at me like he was clueless when I mentioned the flickering. He said I have a little bit of jelly pulling up where the hole was lasered down. He said it will not develop into a tear because it's secure and the lights can take up to 6 months to calm down. 

      It just seems like it's always a waiting game with eye issues. I'm going next week for a second opinion. 

      My pupil is still slightly more dilated than the other eye and he thinks my pupils are fine but said my left eye is larger than my right eye and referred me to a different specialist. At this point all I can do is hope that this flickering turns into a dark blind spot because the flickering is so annoying I would rather not see movement. 

      It seems like my flickering gets worse throughout the day and is calm when I first wake up and later at night. 

      I'm going next Thursday for a second opinion, as well as a new specialist for the size of my eye in a couple of weeks. I'll keep you posted and stay in touch .

    • angelica93506
      angelica93506 doug75871

      Posted

      Hi Doug. Try to get seen, so frustrating not knowing whether its a new tear or resulting from the laser. You should try to get an urgent appointment to put your mind at rest. Usually flashes come straight after laser and stay, so
  • jes2000
    jes2000 rose912910

    Posted

    Rose how are you doing now? Would love to hear an update. 
  • angelica93506
    angelica93506 rose912910

    Posted

    Hi Rose

    Perfectly normal to have blind spots and flashing lights after laser surgery. Eventually they should fade within time. I have had both my eyes lasered as I had tears in both eyes. Never regret your decision as tears never completely heal themselves. Good luck, keep regular check ups!

  • ann21178
    ann21178 rose912910

    Posted

    Oh Guys this morning I had an emergency eye exam following a weekend of huge curtain like floaters I’ve been referred for an emergency appointment at the eye hospital the Optician said emergency means this afternoon - I am sat here waiting for the call. He says I have a tear in my retina. Reading your stories has terrified me! Couple of questions please assuming I have laser surgery to mend the tear how long before I can a) Drive b) wear my contacts c) fly - I have a holiday booked in 4 weeks time. I do hope you all find relief from the effects I’d not given side effects a thought, still reeling from the discovery of the retinal tear. And stupidly I thought the really annoying floaters I have were something to get upset about 
    • jes2000
      jes2000 ann21178

      Posted

      You should be able to drive that day or then next day depending on what your doctor will allow. If it's only one eye I was able to walk out and drive. 

      You can wear your contacts and go back to normal living. But I'm sure your doctor will make that call. 

      You should be able to fly. Detachments are more of the procedures you need to be cleared to fly. 

      Bring up side effects and make sure they tell you what they are. My doctor did not do so, and now I'm left with all of these side effects 6 weeks post op. Bring up shimmering lights in the peripheral after laser, ask where your tear is, ask about the ciliary nerves and the chances of your pupil remaining dilated. Etc. ask how close your tear is to the macula. They will probably tell you all of this but some doctors act as if it's low risk according to this forum. So make sure you know EVERYTHING! 

      I cannot suggest you do not do the procedure because retina tears are pretty risky I believe.

      I promise you will be 100% fine! 

    • ann21178
      ann21178 jes2000

      Posted

      Hi Jess

      firstly apologies I asked to get email notifications of replies and only got one today. Thank you so much for replying. I had the laser op the next day I go back tomorrow to see if it’s been successful 14 days after. I was super cautious, I didn’t return to work until last week as my colleagues had colds and colds mean sneezes which could have upset the “weld”. I’ve not yet returned to the gym or out walking in case I fell and knocked my head. I think the floaters have diminished a bit or maybe I’m getting used to them. I think I’m lucky as I’ve nit noticed any blind spots. I asked about flying and was told “I’ll see you again before then” I’m due to fly on Nov 9th so will find out tomorrow 

      thanks again for your support 

    • ann21178
      ann21178

      Posted

      Feeling very deflated went back today sure it was going to be fine only to find more laser surgery required. 
    • ann21178
      ann21178 jes2000

      Posted

      Not a lot really, he was not very communicative and a bit rough, initially I just thought he just said more laser surgery was required. I am due to fly on the 9th of Nov and he said  flying post surgey was fine but wanted me to have it done before then. I was not prepared for it, I’d even gotten used to the floaters that we’re left and even thought they were improving. I was sure it was going to be fine,  I have to phone in the morning as “the lady with the laser surgery diary had gone home” !
    • ann21178
      ann21178

      Posted

      sorry fat fingers and dilated eyes! Just said needed extra laser surgery, did not explain anymore than they can’t always tell if it’s enough until the scars form
    • doug75871
      doug75871 ann21178

      Posted

      Same thing happened to me three weeks after initial laser fence.  I just think of it as extra reinforcement!
    • jes2000
      jes2000 ann21178

      Posted

      Like Doug said, extra reinforcement. Sounds like its all going to work out/improve with time. Keep your head up!
    • ann21178
      ann21178 jes2000

      Posted

      Thank you it’s great to be able to speak to folks who understand what’s going on 
    • ann21178
      ann21178

      Posted

      Hi Guys I’m back in for more laser surgery on Monday, they couldn’t get me in tomorrow or Friday.I would appreciate your opinions on whether I should go on a planned holiday on the 9th November 10 days after the 2nd laser surgery. 4.5 hrs flying, I was told flying post surgery is ok, it’s a walking holiday so will be out walking for about 5hrs most days. Because I’ve been over cautious I’ve not done any training as my priority was to rest up and let the eye heal so I might find it a bit strenuous. I’m keen to go but wondered what you guys think. I was sure yesterday two weeks after the first surgery I’d be told all was well as I was feeling fine and even thought the floaters had improved but obviously that was not the case 
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