Retinal Tear Laser Surgery

Hi

ALL of us on this forum have had retinal eye problems, mostly retinal tears. I cannot recommend you not to have laser treatment, the alternative is a detachment. If you read all the above from, what i consider friends, as they have helped me through very difficult times.

If you have a detachment and do nothing about treatment, you know the outcome, you may lose your sight.

The tear must be very small for you to be able to wait a couple of weeks.

 I had a retinal tear with no fluid (which the retina specialist told me healed on its own but it could still cause a detachment) and sometimes I regret doing the laser because of the side effect of flickering in the area of the tear that I got from the laser. However, as I talked about on this forum, the flickering has improved even though it is still there and I still see it everyday and it annoys me..Although I think to myself maybe it could have been fine to leave it alone, it could also have caused a detachment which would have been much worse so I guess overall I have to be lucky I can see fine out of that eye despite the minor flickering in the peripheral. I would say if you are able, to get multiple retina specialist opinions and ask them outright what the possible side effects are. But I would think thats good news that he didnt suggest performing the laser right away that it might not be too serious. I hope everything goes well for you 

Thank you, Judith - yes, I have been reading all the posts and I'm extremely grateful for all the candid comments, they have truly helped me in figuring out the questions to ask. Yes, the specialist said the tear was very small, so perhaps that's why he scheduled surgery in 2 weeks.

He also said I had a small pinhole on my left leaking some vitrious fluid, but that it probably would heal itself - however, he will keep checking it to make sure it does not get any bigger. That is the eye where I have black dots floating, although they are not extremely annoying.  My right eye is the one with the small tear, but I do not have any floaters or shadows on it at all.

This sure is a learning experience. I will definitely take Rose's advice and go to more than one retina specialist, get a second opinion.

Hi, Rose - thank you so much. I will most definitely get a second opinion but, of course, if a retina tear is confirmed, I will go through the surgery and hope for the best.  I wonder if my regular ophthalmologist can check for that, or do they require special equipment? I will call to find out.

I have a feeling that the lower eyelid surgery ended up doing the damage - I was told the eyes are covered with a "disc" - which I imagine it to be like a harder contact lens, to protect the eye. Both eyes were extremely red (bloodshot) for a good couple of weeks after the surgery. Difficult to know, and I'm sure the doctors are not going to blame one of their own for a mistake.  So, my lower eyelids look "great" but I'm regretting it by the minute!

Hi

If you have no floaters or 'black spider web'. It seems unlikely your tear is very big at all, and roses comments are valid, getting a second opinion seems to be a good idea. My vitrious fluid has turned to liquid, so my consultant has told me. However, i have my doubts. I now have been informed i have a mole at the back of my eye. Sometimes they get it wrong, unfortunately it is our sight they are playing with.

Hope you get answers, in our experience, you have to make a noise just to get clarification.

Judith - yes, indeed, we do have to make noise to get clarifications!  I'm in the US so getting the appointments relatively quickly is not a problem but, unlike in the UK, we pay dearly for our health care premiums for that convenience. Actually, ripped off is a better term!

I can't recall whether it's you who said you also have blepharitis?  After my cataract/glaucoma surgery a year ago, I developed such infection and the doctor sent me an ointment to put over my eyelids at night, and told me to have warm washes over the eye often. Well, the ointment really didn't work as far as getting rid of it and it was a pain in the mornings to wash it off (it'd get inside the eys), leaving me blurry eyed for a good hour after waking.  So I started searching on the web and found a recipe for water, baking soda, and tea tree oil.  I've been using it now for about a month and I hardly see any of the "white dandruff" gook on the eyelid, I'm pretty sure it's going away. I also replaced the ointment with 100% organic castor oil - I slightly dab a bit of it on my eyelids before going to sleep and it truly helps. It keeps my eye moist all night and when I wake up, I don't have the blurriness caused by the ointment.

Sometimes we have to take matters into our own hands because, like you say, it's our eyes they are fooling around with.

I will post results of my appointment with my ophthalmologist and let you know what he says about the retina tear.

Hi

I know in the us the charges are very expensive for health care, i have a friend living in the usa. I always thought they had good health care.

I am not sure what oinment you have been given for blepharitis, in the uk we are recommended to use a hot compress, which is heated inthe mirowave, then massage the eyes and wipe the eyes. What a chore.

Very strange how many patients having eye problems go on to develop blepharitis, something our consultants do not mention.

I hope all goes well with your retinal tear, maybe its a hole instead.

Hope all is ok with you, it will be 4 days now for your appointment. Will be wishing you well.

I think an opthalmologist can detect it and even laser, but I think it would still be best to go to an experienced retinal specialist for any lasering in my opinion. so sorry you are dealing with this. im pretty sure my retinal tear was caused from flonase. i had no eye issues except for myopia until I started having sinus issues and trying to treat the sinus issues. 

Thanks, Judith. So I saw my regular ophthalmologist and he was able to check my retina. He said it is not a tear, but a small hole on the very far upper right side. He also said he can normally do retina laser but recommended I go to the specialist because he has much better laser equipment. He also said the hole is very small. When I asked him if I should continue having it monitored monthly instead of having the laser surgery next week, he said it would be prudent to do that, but that I should allow the specialist to check it again, then set up another appointment, because it can ultimately be very serious and a retinal detachment surgery can truly have many complications. He said, "You don't want to go there,"

another question I asked was about risks. He said since the hole is on the upper right and far from the pupil, I should not experience any floaters or shadows. He did say the procedure is uncomfortable, but it would not last long. 

By the way, I told my doc about this forum and he said it is always wise to get opinions of others who have gone through similar issues, but to also keep in mind that each person can react differently, depending on what else may be going on. He will tell his patients about the forum because he says it can also serve as an anxiety relief to share experiences.

Since I do trust him (he has always been very upfront with me and doesn't pull any punches), I will follow his advice and ask the specialist to monitor the hole.  So, stay tuned - my appointment with specialist is next Thursday!

thanks again!

Wishing you well on thursday, it is very important you trust the specialist dealing with the laser. Having a small hole explains why you have not experienced all the floaters.

I personally found the laser treatment not too uncomfortable, i have certainly had far more uncomfortable proceedures in my life. It is very quick, the setting up of the laser seems to take forever.

Take care

Thanks so much!  Are the problems you have encountered mainly floaters and dry eyes after the laser surgery?

Yes, most of us experience floaters, however, it is a side effect to retinal tears. I suffer, with others, from blepharitis too. Discuss this with your consultant to ask if you will be at risk.

We have never been informed of this complication and actually it has been denied the two are connected. However, so many of the patients on this forum have suffered too.

We will all be thinking of you on thursday.

Hi Rose -- I live in the US and I have recently  had laser repair for three tears.  I had a retinal detachment years ago and so there is no question about whether or not to repair the tears.  I still have a flickering sensation in the eye where a tear was repaired 6 months ago, but I am getting better at ignoring it.  After the two new tears in the other eye were repaired yesterday, I have a large grey shadow area at the lower edge of my vision.  I went back today to make sure that it is not a detachment, and they said it is just from the laser and it may be permanent.  It is very hard to accept, but the alternative of a possible detachment is so much worse that I know I can accept it.  Just hoping it will get less noticeable.  On the subject of holes, my retina specialist said that holes are normallly monitored rather than lasered, but if they are lasering your eye anyway for a tear, they will go ahead and fix the hole.  I hope this is helpful.  Thank you to everyone on this forum.  Hang in there and be grateful for every speck of vision!

How awful to have a detachment very scary!! Hope your grey spot get some less noticeable. I have a hole and been told it's up to me if I want the laser. Don't know what to do. Going back in 2 weeks for a check up. The consultant said he would if it was me, but also that it is very small and totally up to me. Scares me when I read all these affects of the laser.

You have been through a terrible experience. To be told it make be permanent must have been a shock.

It makes us all aware how lucky we are to have some sight.

Take care

Hi, Judith -

I have been super anxious about the whole ordeal for a month. So today I I had a good chat with the retina specialist today. He inspected both eyes thoroughly and said the left eye's pin hole had apparently sealed (I am no longer seeing floaters in that eye). Since I do not show any of the typical symptoms of a serious retinal tear on my right eye (floaters, shadows, dark curtains on the side), he would like to see me in 3 months to check the eye again - and recommended we do not go through surgery ry today. 

After I left his office, I felt totally drained from emotional exhaustion!  But I am relieved that the situation is not so serious (yet) as to warrant surgery. I've had so many problems with my eyes in the past year that I really wanted to give them a break from it all!

My regular ophthalmologist said that a retina detachment surgery would, indeed, be more complicated. He also checked my eyes the other day an said basically the same as the retina specialist.

The retina specialist said that if I have any symptoms at all, to call him right away. I will most definitely be very attentive!

I cannot tell you how grateful I am for having found ths forum, and find people like you who are so open and helpful.  

Thank you, Judith!

Hi

I am so pleased you have had good news, the stress you have been under is awful.

It was strange not having the dark curtain etc. At least you can start to live your life, and they are keeping an eye on you, therefore that must be resuring for you too.

We are here on this forum if you ever find the stress too much, but i am sure you will be ok. Clara on this forum has had a hole in her retina for 11 years.

Take care

X

Wow 11 years, with no surgery?

Hi hol

Yes i made a mistake she has had a hole for 7 years, but unfortunately has floaters and flashes from other problems, i really wish her well.

How r u doing. Have you had your checkup.

We have so many complex problems when having laser treatment for tears. I never realised i would have floaters forever, nor that the laser would leave so much mess on my vision.

However i now have started to live life to the full again, on the realisation that i can not do anything about what has happened and i can not worry about what will happen in the future.

Judith, you are most wise to have such attitude. When we realize that there's not much else we can do about a situation, we might as well go forward with our lives doing the best we can.

Thank you for sharing your positive attitude with others.

Connie

Conniegal, thank you for your comments.

I thank all on this forum for their friendship and support, and wish all well.

I maybe be back looking for support after my six month check in december. This site has given me help when i needed it and it is most valuable for anyone who has had laser treatment having someone who is going through all the complications is invaluable.

Thank you all. Hoping my positive attitude is just the start.

Thanking you all

Hi Judith

My appointment is Wednesday and I am so nervous about it. I haven't had laser, and don't want to unless it's absolutely necessary. I'm not one for procedures and medication unless I have to. Particularly since I've read of all the side effects some of you are living with.

It's such a hard decision. Hopefully it won't have changed and I can just keep going and getting it monitored.

Hi hol 1983, I had laser in March for a retinal tear, I'm not fond of any type of procedure either but have to say, this was incredibly well done.  I was in and out in 15 minutes or less, the longest part was waiting to be seen!  The doctor was very informative and also very calming.  The alternative of not having it done, or having left it too late doesnt bear thinking about.  I have had no recurrence at all , and went back once or twice just for reassurance, I was told the laser had worked perfectly. I am so thankful for the NHS and the skill and care I received.  I know its easy to say, but try not to overthink or worry,  the worst case scenario you may need some laser, best case, no treatment required but definitley remember, you are in good hands and anything amiss will be picked up and acted on .  Good luck.  PS apologies for highjaickig Judith's thread !

Hi hol

Ì am hoping and praying you will have no change, going to appointments are very nerve racking times.

Wishing you you well.

Hi evelyn

Any feed back to help hol is always wecome. I think the laser treatment is no worse and sometimes better than some procedures i have had during the years.

X

Hi Judith

Thank you, luckily no change. Hole is about the same. They are still recommending the surgery, but my choice for now. He feels that as I get older and the gel turns more liquid it could cause more of a problem for me then. I'm only 33, but hoping I'm another 10'years they may have found better, less risky treatment.

Do you think I am silly for not having the treatments?

Hi Evelyn

Don't apologise, the more advice, support, opinion I can get the better.

I just wonder if my body may heal itself. Our bodies are designed to heal, and I have read this can happen, particularly at the top of this thread. I know it might not. Of course if they said I had to have the surgery I would. I've just read about so many side effects people are living with and it can't be reversed.

Hi Hol

I am delighted there has been no change. 33 is young to have to deal with the choice of surgery.

I most certainly do not think you silly. The consultants will keep a close check. Believe me my gel has turned to liquid, so they say, and it does settle down. I think it sounds worse.

Take care x

Thanks Judith

That's what they say is the worry for the future when the gel turns more liquid. I am. Hoping they make have made a new discovery by then x

Did you have the laser surgery? I am debating having mine lasered or not!

What's Flonase?

Hi hol

Sorry not answered before sometimes the thread is heard to see. I hope they find a dicovery real soon for you.

As i have said not enough research is made into retinal problems.

You take care x

Flonase is a corticosteroid nose spray 

Rose

I know we have very similar symptoms and had laser in same area.  Has the flickering gone away.  Mine seems to be fine for a week then is annoying and really noticeable for a week 

I'm sitting here trying to piece this information together. It seems after my second opinion I'm even more confused. The doctor said vitreous traction doesn't make sense for my side effect because normally vitreous traction flashes are a "come and go" thing. I see the shimmering light 24/7. It's only calm on cloudy days or when I wear an eye patch to lessen this side effect. It is not as noticeable unless I come from intense lighting situations. And when I come from the intense lighting situations it feels like a lightbulb is dying in my vision. Just flickering away. 

I think there needs to be some serious research about this rare occurrence. People just can't be expected to live with this long term. 

I have some anti inflammatory prescribed eye drops. I am going to test them out on a sunnier day to see if they help. Because I was taking them for 4 weeks post op and as soon as I stopped taking them this shimmering became much more intense and prominent. Or I could be completely wrong and I'm much more aware of it now. Or it took a while to actually develop. I can't help but wonder if what I'm experiencing, and so many of us are.. is the retina trying to adjust to the scar tissue, or an altered function. Is our retina reacting to the scar tissue and it's creating this defect 180 degrees from the laser? 

I would hope this is just vitreous traction because then that means eventually it does have to stop. But I'm not convinced. Prayers, thoughts, and best wishes to all of you. My heart is deeply with you that we went through something that we thought was going to prevent us from danger- or it did prevent us from the worst case scenerio.. and now we have all of these side effects that we weren't expecting. 

5 and a half weeks out and I hope to see improvement. My pupil is still one size larger than the other one too. 

Hi Doug. No the flickering hasn’t gone away but it has got less bright with time. I hope one day I won’t notice it anymore. It really drives me crazy

I’m sorry to hear you are going through this too. I would have never got the laser if I knew this was a possible side effect. It’s awful. What anti inflammatory eye drops are you using? I think the scarring causing an altered function in the retina and in that area the retina doesn’t know how to process the light correctly so there is this shimmering 

I was using predisone but I decided to not test my theory because the risks of using this steroid drop are too high. It could increase the pressure in my eye or develop a cataract.

When you say less bright does that mean it takes up less space in your peripheral too? I am glad it's improving for you. Does it calm down in the dark? I never see mine after 5-10 minutes of being in the dark. 

I am moving to a new big city so I am going to be getting a few second opinions before December. I will keep everyone posted. Becoming persistent is something I need to do. 

I think it does take up less space in my peripheral. In the beginning it was more of a whole light and now it’s more of a clear flickering. Still annoying and it bothers me everyday but better than it was. I still see it in the dark but it’s worse for me in a bright room. So frustrating

WHITE light*

Rose

Just curious since our issues seem to be so similar.  At times it seems like the shimmering/flickering transfers in to the opposite eye (for me my left), since the flickering is in the nasal side of right eye, if I look up to left it at times looks like the shimmering is in top left of left eye...not sure that makes sense? 

I noticed I gave flickering in my othe eye too if I close the eye I have the laser but it’s not as large or distracting as the eye I had the laser. I’m not sure if my brain is making my other eye mimic the lasered eye. So frustrating 

hi, has it gotten any better? i have the same thing

I had this laser eye treatment done a little over a year ago. I will always have the hole in my retina, but so far, the scar tissue created from the surgery is doing what its supposed to... keeping the hole from getting bigger. I still have flashing in my peripheral vision, but i try not to let it annoy me. My specialist described it as a "pretty significant tare" but is pleased with the outcome. My follow up visits have shown no worsening of the tare. I am trying to avoid jumping and any activity having impact, which is difficult as a dance instructor. But, when you land leaps and jumps correctly, you avoid a lot of the impact, so I try to stress proper technique to my students and limit what i actually demonstrate myself. I have a class assistant demonstrate as much as possible. I don't notice the floaters very much. They are there if i pay attention to them. I do notice more flashing during colder weather, not sure why. BEST WISHES!

thank you for your reply im so happy you are doing well and still able to dance! is the flashing in your peripheral always there? Did your dr give you an explanation of why it happens? thank you

Hi Rose,

Has shimmering light improved for you?

i have been seeing it since last 7-8 months and improved slightly.